Amides as modulators of sodium channels

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to amide compounds of formula I and I′ or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, useful as inhibitors of sodium channels: 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders, including pain.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/759,062, filed Jan. 31, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of sodium channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders including pain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pain is a protective mechanism that allows healthy animals to avoid tissue damage and to prevent further damage to injured tissue. Nonetheless there are many conditions where pain persists beyond its usefulness, or where patients would benefit from inhibition of pain. Neuropathic pain is a form of chronic pain caused by an injury to the sensory nerves (Dieleman, J. P., et al., Incidence rates and treatment of neuropathic pain conditions in the general population. Pain, 2008. 137(3): p. 681-8). Neuropathic pain can be divided into two categories, pain caused by generalized metabolic damage to the nerve and pain caused by a discrete nerve injury. The metabolic neuropathies include post herpetic neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, and drug-induced neuropathy. Discrete nerve injuries indications include post amputation pain, post-surgical nerve injury pain, and nerve entrapment injuries like neuropathic back pain.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na_(V)'s) play a critical role in pain signaling. Na_(V)'s are key biological mediators of electrical signaling as they are the primary mediators of the rapid upstroke of the action potential of many excitable cell types (e.g. neurons, skeletal myocytes, cardiac myocytes). The evidence for the role of these channels in normal physiology, the pathological states arising from mutations in sodium channel genes, preclinical work in animal models, and the clinical pharmacology of known sodium channel modulating agents all point to the central role of Na_(V)'s in pain sensation (Rush, A. M. and T. R. Cummins, Painful Research: Identification of a Small-Molecule Inhibitor that Selectively Targets Na _(V)1.8 Sodium Channels. Mol Interv, 2007. 7(4): p. 192-5); England, S., Voltage-gated sodium channels: the search for subtype-selective analgesics. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 17 (12), p. 1849-64 (2008); Krafte, D. S, and Bannon, A. W., Sodium channels and nociception: recent concepts and therapeutic opportunities. Curr Opin Pharmacol 8 (1), p. 50-56 (2008)). Na_(V)'s are the primary mediators of the rapid upstroke of the action potential of many excitable cell types (e.g. neurons, skeletal myocytes, cardiac myocytes), and thus are critical for the initiation of signaling in those cells (Hille, Bertil, Ion Channels of Excitable Membranes, Third ed. (Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, Mass., 2001)). Because of the role Na_(V)'s play in the initiation and propagation of neuronal signals, antagonists that reduce Na_(V) currents can prevent or reduce neural signaling and Na_(V) channels have long been considered likely targets to reduce pain in conditions where hyper-excitability is observed (Chahine, M., Chatelier, A., Babich, O., and Krupp, J. J., Voltage-gated sodium channels in neurological disorders. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 7 (2), p. 144-58 (2008)). Several clinically useful analgesics have been identified as inhibitors of Na_(V) channels. The local anesthetic drugs such as lidocaine block pain by inhibiting Na_(V) channels, and other compounds, such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and tricyclic antidepressants that have proven effective at reducing pain have also been suggested to act by sodium channel inhibition (Soderpalm, B., Anticonvulsants: aspects of their mechanisms of action. Eur J Pain 6 Suppl A, p. 3-9 (2002); Wang, G. K., Mitchell, J., and Wang, S. Y., Block of persistent late Na⁺ currents by antidepressant sertraline and paroxetine. J Membr Biol 222 (2), p. 79-90 (2008)).

The Na_(V)'s form a subfamily of the voltage-gated ion channel super-family and comprises 9 isoforms, designated Nav1.1-Nav1.9. The tissue localizations of the nine isoforms vary greatly. Nav1.4 is the primary sodium channel of skeletal muscle, and Nav1.5 is primary sodium channel of cardiac myocytes. Na_(V)'s 1.7, 1.8 and 1.9 are primarily localized to the peripheral nervous system, while Na_(V)'s 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.6 are neuronal channels found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The functional behaviors of the nine isoforms are similar but distinct in the specifics of their voltage-dependent and kinetic behavior (Catterall, W. A., Goldin, A. L., and Waxman, S. G., International Union of Pharmacology. XLVII. Nomenclature and structure-function relationships of voltage-gated sodium channels. Pharmacol Rev 57 (4), p. 397 (2005)).

Immediately upon their discovery, Na_(V)1.8 channels were identified as likely targets for analgesia (Akopian, A. N., L. Sivilotti, and J. N. Wood, A tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channel expressed by sensory neurons. Nature, 1996. 379(6562): p. 257-62). Since then, Na_(V)1.8 has been shown to be the most significant carrier of the sodium current that maintains action potential firing in small DRG neurons (Blair, N. T. and B. P. Bean, Roles of tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na⁺ current, TTX-resistant Na⁺ current, and Ca²⁺ current in the action potentials of nociceptive sensory neurons. J Neurosci., 2002. 22(23): p. 10277-90). Na_(V)1.8 is essential for spontaneous firing in damaged neurons, like those that drive neuropathic pain (Roza, C., et al., The tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channel Na_(V)1.8 is essential for the expression of spontaneous activity in damaged sensory axons of mice. J. Physiol., 2003. 550(Pt 3): p. 921-6; Jarvis, M. F., et al., A-803467, a potent and selective Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel blocker, attenuates neuropathic and inflammatory pain in the rat. Proc Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 2007. 104(20): p. 8520-5; Joshi, S. K., et al., Involvement of the TTX-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 in inflammatory and neuropathic, but not post-operative, pain states. Pain, 2006. 123(1-2): pp. 75-82; Lai, J., et al., Inhibition of neuropathic pain by decreased expression of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel, Na_(V)1.8. Pain, 2002. 95(1-2): p. 143-52; Dong, X. W., et al., Small interfering RNA-mediated selective knockdown of Na(_(V))1.8 tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel reverses mechanical allodynia in neuropathic rats. Neuroscience, 2007. 146(2): p. 812-21; Huang, H. L., et al., Proteomic profiling of neuromas reveals alterations in protein composition and local protein synthesis in hyper-excitable nerves. Mol Pain, 2008. 4: p. 33; Black, J. A., et al., Multiple sodium channel isoforms and mitogen-activated protein kinases are present in painful human neuromas. Ann Neurol, 2008. 64(6): p. 644-53; Coward, K., et al., Immunolocalization of SNS/PN3 and NaN/SNS2 sodium channels in human pain states. Pain, 2000. 85(1-2): p. 41-50; Yiangou, Y., et al., SNS/PN3 and SNS2/NaN sodium channel-like immunoreactivity in human adult and neonate injured sensory nerves. FEBS Lett, 2000. 467(2-3): p. 249-52; Ruangsri, S., et al., Relationship of axonal voltage-gated sodium channel 1.8 (Na_(V)1.8) mRNA accumulation to sciatic nerve injury-induced painful neuropathy in rats. J Biol. Chem. 286(46): p. 39836-47). The small DRG neurons where Na_(V)1.8 is expressed include the nociceptors critical for pain signaling. Na_(V)1.8 is the primary channel that mediates large amplitude action potentials in small neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (Blair, N. T. and B. P. Bean, Roles of tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na⁺ current, TTX-resistant Na⁺ current, and Ca²⁺ current in the action potentials of nociceptive sensory neurons. J Neurosci., 2002. 22(23): p. 10277-90). Na_(V)1.8 is necessary for rapid repetitive action potentials in nociceptors, and for spontaneous activity of damaged neurons. (Choi, J. S. and S. G. Waxman, Physiological interactions between Na_(V)1.7 and Na_(V)1.8 sodium channels: a computer simulation study. J Neurophysiol. 106(6): p. 3173-84; Renganathan, M., T. R. Cummins, and S. G. Waxman, Contribution of Na(_(V))1.8 sodium channels to action potential electrogenesis in DRG neurons. J Neurophysiol., 2001. 86(2): p. 629-40; Roza, C., et al., The tetrodotoxin-resistant Na⁺ channel Na_(V)1.8 is essential for the expression of spontaneous activity in damaged sensory axons of mice. J. Physiol., 2003. 550(Pt 3): p. 921-6). In depolarized or damaged DRG neurons, Na_(V)1.8 appears to be the primary driver of hyper-excitablility (Rush, A. M., et al., A single sodium channel mutation produces hyper- or hypoexcitability in different types of neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2006. 103(21): p. 8245-50). In some animal pain models, Na_(V)1.8 mRNA expression levels have been shown to increase in the DRG (Sun, W., et al., Reduced conduction failure of the main axon of polymodal nociceptive C-fibres contributes to painful diabetic neuropathy in rats. Brain. 135(Pt 2): p. 359-75; Strickland, I. T., et al., Changes in the expression of NaV1.7, Na_(V)1.8 and Na_(V)1.9 in a distinct population of dorsal root ganglia innervating the rat knee joint in a model of chronic inflammatory joint pain. Eur J Pain, 2008. 12(5): p. 564-72; Qiu, F., et al., Increased expression of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels Na_(V)1.8 and Na_(V)1.9 within dorsal root ganglia in a rat model of bone cancer pain. Neurosci. Lett. 512(2): p. 61-6).

The primary drawback to the known Na_(V) inhibitors is their poor therapeutic window, and this is likely a consequence of their lack of isoform selectivity. Since Na_(V)1.8 is primarily restricted to the neurons that sense pain, selective Na_(V)1.8 blockers are unlikely to induce the adverse events common to non-selective Na_(V) blockers. Accordingly, there remains a need to develop additional Na_(V) channel antagonists preferably those that are more Nav1.8 selective, more potent and with fewer side effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and compositions thereof, are useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels. These compounds have the general formula I or formula I′:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

These compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are useful for treating or lessening the severity of a variety of diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides compounds of formula I or formula I′:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N -   R¹ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R² is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁴ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive; and -   provided the following compounds are excluded: -   3-methyl-4-[(2-phenoxybenzoyl)amino]-benzoic acid; -   4-[(2-phenoxybenzoyl)amino]-benzoic acid; and -   5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-[(2-phenoxybenzoyl)amino]-benzoic acid.

In another aspect, the invention provides compounds of formula I or formula I′:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N -   R¹ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R² is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁴ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

For purposes of this invention, the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75th Ed. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry are described in “Organic Chemistry,” Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausalito: 1999, and “March's Advanced Organic Chemistry,” 5^(th) Ed., Ed.: Smith, M. B. and March, J., John Wiley & Sons, New York: 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As described herein, compounds of the invention can optionally be substituted with one or more substituents, such as are illustrated generally above, or as exemplified by particular classes, subclasses, and species of the invention. As described herein, the variables R¹-R⁸ in formula I or formula I′ encompass specific groups, such as, for example, alkyl and cycloalkyl. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are those combinations that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds. The term “stable,” as used herein, refers to compounds that are not substantially altered when subjected to conditions to allow for their production, detection, and preferably their recovery, purification, and use for one or more of the purposes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one that is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature of 40° C. or less, in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions, for at least a week.

The phrase “optionally substituted” may be used interchangeably with the phrase “substituted or unsubstituted.” In general, the term “substituted,” whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, refers to the replacement of hydrogen radicals in a given structure with the radical of a specified substituent. Specific substituents are described above in the definitions and below in the description of compounds and examples thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, an optionally substituted group can have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure can be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent can be either the same or different at every position. A ring substituent, such as a heterocycloalkyl, can be bound to another ring, such as a cycloalkyl, to form a spiro-bicyclic ring system, e.g., both rings share one common atom. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are those combinations that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds.

The phrase “up to,” as used herein, refers to zero or any integer number that is equal or less than the number following the phrase. For example, “up to 4” means any one of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.

The term “aliphatic,” “aliphatic group” or “alkyl” as used herein, means a straight-chain (i.e., unbranched) or branched, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation. Unless otherwise specified, aliphatic groups contain 1-20 aliphatic carbon atoms. In some embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-10 aliphatic carbon atoms. In other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-8 aliphatic carbon atoms. In still other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-6 aliphatic carbon atoms, and in yet other embodiments aliphatic groups contain 1-4 aliphatic carbon atoms. Suitable aliphatic groups include, but are not limited to, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl groups.

The terms “cycloaliphatic” or “cycloalkyl” mean a monocyclic hydrocarbon ring, or a polycyclic hydrocarbon ring system that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic and has a single point of attachment to the rest of the molecule. The term “polycyclic ring system,” as used herein, includes bicyclic and tricyclic 4- to 12-membered structures that form at least two rings, wherein the two rings have at least one atom in common (e.g., 2 atoms in common) including fused, bridged, or spirocyclic ring systems.

The term “halogen” or “halo” as used herein, means F, Cl, Br or I.

Unless otherwise specified, the term “heterocycle,” “heterocyclyl,” “heterocycloaliphatic,” “heterocycloalkyl,” or “heterocyclic” as used herein means non-aromatic, monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ring systems in which one or more ring atoms in one or more ring members is an independently selected heteroatom. Heterocyclic ring can be saturated or can contain one or more unsaturated bonds. In some embodiments, the “heterocycle,” “heterocyclyl,” “heterocycloaliphatic,” “heterocycloalkyl,” or “heterocyclic” group has three to fourteen ring members in which one or more ring members is a heteroatom independently selected from oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or phosphorus, and each ring in the ring system contains 3 to 7 ring members.

The term “heteroatom” means oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, or silicon (including, any oxidized form of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, or silicon; the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen or; a substitutable nitrogen of a heterocyclic ring, for example N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolyl), NH (as in pyrrolidinyl) or NR⁺ (as in N-substituted pyrrolidinyl)).

The term “unsaturated,” as used herein, means that a moiety has one or more units of unsaturation but is not aromatic.

The term “alkoxy,” or “thioalkyl,” as used herein, refers to an alkyl group, as previously defined, attached to the principal carbon chain through an oxygen (“alkoxy”) or sulfur (“thioalkyl”) atom.

The term “aryl” used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “aralkyl,” “aralkoxy,” or “aryloxyalkyl,” refers to monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic ring systems having a total of five to fourteen ring carbon atoms, wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic and wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring carbon atoms. The term “aryl” may be used interchangeably with the term “aryl ring.”

The term “heteroaryl,” used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “heteroaralkyl” or “heteroarylalkoxy,” refers to monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic ring systems having a total of five to fourteen ring members, wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic, at least one ring in the system contains one or more heteroatoms, and wherein each ring in the system contains 3 to 7 ring members. The term “heteroaryl” may be used interchangeably with the term “heteroaryl ring” or the term “heteroaromatic.”

Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include all isomeric (e.g., enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational)) forms of the structure; for example, the R and S configurations for each asymmetric center, (Z) and (E) double bond isomers, and (Z) and (E) conformational isomers. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention. Thus, included within the scope of the invention are tautomers of compounds of formula I or formula I′. The structures also include zwitterioinc forms of the compounds or salts of formula I and formula I′ where appropriate.

Additionally, unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched or isotopically-labeled atoms. The isotopically-labeled compounds may have one or more atoms replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature. Examples of isotopes present in compounds of formula I and formula I′ include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, fluorine and chlorine, such as, but not limited to, ²H, ³H, ¹³C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ¹⁷O, ³⁵S and ¹⁸F. Certain isotopically-labeled compounds of formula I or formula I′, in addition to being useful as therapuetic agents, are also useful in drug and/or substrate tissue distribution assays, as analytical tools or as probes in other biological assays. In one aspect of the present invention, tritiated (e.g., ³H) and carbon-14 (e.g., ¹⁴C) isotopes are useful given their ease of detectability. In another aspect of the present invention, replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms with heavier isotopes such as deuterium, (e.g., ²H) can afford certain therapeutic advantages.

In the formulas and drawings, a line transversing a ring and bonded to an R group such as in

means that the R group, i.e. the R⁸ group can be bonded to any carbon of that ring as valency allows.

Within a definition of a term as, for example, X, R^(X), R¹, R², R³, R⁴ or R⁸ when a CH₂ unit or, interchangeably, methylene unit may be replaced by —O—, it is meant to include any CH₂ unit, including a CH₂ within a terminal methyl group. For example, CH₂CH₂CH₂OH is within the definition of C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units may be replaced by —O— because the CH₂ unit of the terminal methyl group has been replaced by —O—.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R¹ is H. In another embodiment, R¹ is halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CN. In another embodiment, R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CF₃. In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is H. In another embodiment, R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is H, halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is H. In another embodiment, R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl, Cl, CF₃ or CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁴ is H. In another embodiment, R⁴ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁴ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁴ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁴ is CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is H. In another embodiment, R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(5′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is H. In another embodiment, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(6′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is H. In another embodiment, R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently halogen, or —X—R^(X) and R^(5′), R⁶, and R^(6′) are each hydrogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or formula I′ and the attendant definitions, wherein Y is N. In another embodiment, Y is C.

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is H. In another embodiment, R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(5′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is H. In another embodiment, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(6′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is H. In another embodiment, R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—Rx wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-A or formula I′-A and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl, Cl, CF₃ or CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is H. In another embodiment, R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(5′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is H. In another embodiment, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(6′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is H. In another embodiment, R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—Rx wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-B or formula I′-B and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another embodiment, ring A is selected from:

In another embodiment, R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is H, halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl, Cl, CF₃ or CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is H. In another embodiment, R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(5′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is H. In another embodiment, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(6′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is H. In another embodiment, R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂C₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—Rx wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-C or formula I′-C and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another embodiment, ring A is selected from:

In another embodiment, R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R¹ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein R¹ is halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CN. In another embodiment, R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is H. In another embodiment, R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(5′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R^(5′) is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is H. In another embodiment, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein R^(6′) is H. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is Cl. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is F. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CN. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is CH₃. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R^(6′) is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is H. In another embodiment, R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—Rx wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-D or formula I′-D and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein Rx is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-E or formula I′-E and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein Rx is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-F or formula I′-F and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein Rx is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-G or formula I′-G and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R¹ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, wherein R¹ is halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CN. In another embodiment, R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein Rx is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-H or formula I′-H and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—.

In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—Rx wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-J or formula I′-J and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-K or formula I′-K and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-L or formula I′-L and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R¹ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M and the attendant definitions, wherein R¹ is halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CN. In another embodiment, R¹ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R¹ is CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-M or formula I′-M and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-N or formula I′-N:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-N or formula I′-N and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-N or formula I′-N and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-N or formula I′-N and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein Rx is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-N or formula I′-N and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-N or formula I′-N and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-O or formula

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-O or formula I′-O and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-O or formula I′-O and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-O or formula I′-O and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein Rx is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-O or formula I′-O and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-O or formula I′-O and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-P or formula I′-P:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁵ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-P or formula I′-P and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-P or formula I′-P and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-P or formula I′-P and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-P or formula I′-P and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁵ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁵ is F. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is —X—R^(X) wherein Rx is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, or OCH(CH₃)₂. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is CH₂OH. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R⁵ is OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-P or formula I′-P and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-P or formula I′-P and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁶ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-Q or formula I′-Q and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, -   wherein, independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁶ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-R or formula I′-R and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S:

-   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein,     independently for each occurrence: -   Y is C or N; -   R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R⁶ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   R⁷ is halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); -   X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted     with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said     C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; -   R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two     non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced     with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3     substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; -   R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is     substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂     units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and -   p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.

In one embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, Y is C. In another embodiment, Y is N.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, wherein R² is halogen. In another embodiment, R² is Cl. In another embodiment, R² is F. In another embodiment, R² is CN. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R² is CF₃. In another embodiment, R² is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R² is OCF₃. In another embodiment, R² is F, Cl, CN, CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, wherein R³ is halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is Cl. In another embodiment, R³ is F. In another embodiment, R³ is CN. In another embodiment, R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R³ is t-butyl. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R³ is CF₂CF₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, R⁶ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁶ is F. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁶ is CH₃. In another embodiment, R⁶ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁶ is OCH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is Cl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is F. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CN. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X). In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CH₂CH₂CH₃ or isopropyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is CF₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl are replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein R^(X) is absent and X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₃, OC(CH₃)₃, OCH₂CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, or CH₂CH₂OCH₃. In another embodiment, R⁷ is OCF₃, OCH₂CF₃, OCH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, or OCHF₂.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is a bond and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, wherein R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O— and R^(X) is C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with up 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl. In another embodiment, R⁷ is —X—R^(X) wherein X is OCH₂ and R^(X) is cyclopropyl.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, wherein p is zero. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is halogen. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is Cl. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is CH₃. In another embodiment, p is an integer from 1 to 4 and R⁸ is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I-S or formula I′-S and the attendant definitions, wherein ring A is selected from:

In another embodiment, the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is selected from Table 1.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I or I′, wherein the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is selected from Table 1. Compounds names in Table 1 were generated using ChemBioDrawUltra version 12.0 from Cambridge Soft/Chem Office 2010.

TABLE 1 Compound Numbers, Structures and Chemical Names

  4-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-4- (perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  1

  4-(2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)-4- (perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  2

  4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4- (perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  3

  4-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  4

  4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  5

  4-(2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  6

  4-(2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  7

  4-(2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  8

  4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid  9

  4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid 10

  4-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid 11

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 12

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4- fluorophenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 13

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- methylphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 14

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2- phenoxybenzamido)benzoic acid 15

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-fluoro-4- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 16

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 17

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 18

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2- (difluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 19

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2- methylphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 20

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- dimethoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 21

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(3-fluoro-4- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 22

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 23

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- difluorophenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 24

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 25

  4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 26

  4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4- (perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid 27

  4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid 28

  4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid 29

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4- fluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 30

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(isopentyloxy) phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 31

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- methylphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 32

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2- phenoxybenzamido)picolinic acid 33

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-fluoro-4- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 34

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 35

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 36

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-(difluoromethoxy) phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 37

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2- methylphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 38

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- dimethoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 39

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(3-fluoro-4- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 40

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- fluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 41

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- difluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 42

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 43

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 44

  5-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 45

  5-(2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 46

  5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 47

  5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 48

  5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 49

  5-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4,6- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 50

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 51

  5-(4-(tert-butyl)-2-(4-fluoro-2- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 52

  5-(4-(tert-butyl)-2-(4-fluoro-2- methylphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 53

  5-(4-(tert-butyl)-2-(4- fluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 54

  5-(2-(4- fluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 55

  5-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 56

  5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 57

  5-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 58

  5-(2-(5-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 59

  5-(2-(2-(difluoromethoxy)phenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 60

  5-(2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 61

  5-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 62

  5-(2-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 63

  5-(2-(2-isopropoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 64

  5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 65

  5-(2-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 66

  5-(2-(4-methoxy-2-methylphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 67

  5-(2-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 68

  5-(2-(3-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 69

  5-(2-phenoxy-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 70

  5-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 71

  5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4- (perfluoroethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 72

  5-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4- (perfluoroethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 73

  5-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-6- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 74

  5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 75

  5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 76

In one embodiment, the compound is 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(4-(tert-butyl)-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid.

In another embodiment, the compound is 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid.

Salts, Compositions, Uses, Formulation, Administration and Additional Agents Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts and Compositions

As discussed herein, the invention provides compounds that are inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels, and thus the present compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions including, but not limited to chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia. Accordingly, in another aspect of the invention, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are provided, wherein these compositions comprise any of the compounds as described herein, and optionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle. In certain embodiments, these compositions optionally further comprise one or more additional therapeutic agents. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or vehicles

It will also be appreciated that certain of the compounds of invention can exist in free form for treatment, or where appropriate, as a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof. According to the invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative includes, but is not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, salts of such esters, or any other adduct or derivative which upon administration to a subject in need is capable of providing, directly or indirectly, a compound as otherwise described herein, or a metabolite or residue thereof.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgement, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means any non-toxic salt or salt of an ester of a compound of this invention that, upon administration to a recipient, is capable of providing, either directly or indirectly, a compound of this invention or an inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof. As used herein, the term “inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof” means that a metabolite or residue thereof is also an inhibitor of a voltage-gated sodium channel.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, S. M. Berge, et al. describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, 1-19, incorporated herein by reference. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from suitable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the art such as ion exchange. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N⁺(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₄ salts. This invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen-containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersable products may be obtained by such quaternization. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, lower alkyl sulfonate and aryl sulfonate.

As described herein, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of the invention additionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle, which, as used herein, includes any and all solvents, diluents, or other liquid vehicle, dispersion or suspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening or emulsifying agents, preservatives, solid binders, lubricants and the like, as suited to the particular dosage form desired. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sixteenth Edition, E. W. Martin (Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1980) discloses various carriers used in formulating pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and known techniques for the preparation thereof. Except insofar as any conventional carrier medium is incompatible with the compounds of the invention, such as by producing any undesirable biological effect or otherwise interacting in a deleterious manner with any other component(s) of the pharmaceutically acceptable composition, its use is contemplated to be within the scope of this invention. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, or potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, wool fat, sugars such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose and its derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil; safflower oil; sesame oil; olive oil; corn oil and soybean oil; glycols; such a propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; esters such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol, and phosphate buffer solutions, as well as other non-toxic compatible lubricants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, releasing agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the composition, according to the judgment of the formulator.

In another aspect, the invention features a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In another aspect, the invention features a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of the compounds of formula I or formula I′ and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or vehicles.

Uses of Compounds and Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts and Compositions

In another aspect, the invention features a method of inhibiting a voltage-gated sodium channel in a subject comprising administering to the subject a compound of formula I or formula I′ or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. In another aspect, the voltage-gated sodium channel is Nav1.8.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia comprising administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of gut pain, wherein gut pain comprises inflammatory bowel disease pain, Crohn's disease pain or interstitial cystitis pain wherein said method comprises administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of gut pain, wherein the gut pain comprises inflammatory bowel disease pain, Crohn's disease pain or interstitial cystitis pain.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of neuropathic pain, wherein the neuropathic pain comprises post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuralgia, painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, burning mouth syndrome, post-amputation pain, phantom pain, painful neuroma; traumatic neuroma; Morton's neuroma; nerve entrapment injury, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, radicular pain, sciatica pain; nerve avulsion injury, brachial plexus avulsion injury; complex regional pain syndrome, drug therapy induced neuralgia, cancer chemotherapy induced neuralgia, anti-retroviral therapy induced neuralgia; post spinal cord injury pain, idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy, idiopathic sensory neuropathy or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of musculoskeletal pain wherein said musculoskeletal pain comprises osteoarthritis pain, back pain, cold pain, burn pain or dental pain.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of inflammatory pain wherein said inflammatory pain comprises rheumatoid arthritis pain or vulvodynia.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of idiopathic pain wherein said idiopathic pain comprises fibromyalgia pain.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia wherein said subject is treated with one or more additional therapeutic agents administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to treatment with the compound or pharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of neuropathic pain, wherein neuropathic pain comprises post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuralgia, painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, burning mouth syndrome, post-amputation pain, phantom pain, painful neuroma, traumatic neuroma, Morton's neuroma; nerve entrapment injury, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, radicular pain, sciatica pain; nerve avulsion injury, brachial plexus avulsion injury; complex regional pain syndrome, drug therapy induced neuralgia, cancer chemotherapy induced neuralgia, anti-retroviral therapy induced neuralgia; post spinal cord injury pain, idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy, idiopathic sensory neuropathy or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia wherein said method comprises administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of musculoskeletal pain, wherein musculoskeletal pain comprises osteoarthritis pain, back pain, cold pain, burn pain or dental pain wherein said method comprises administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of inflammatory pain, wherein inflammatory pain comprises rheumatoid arthritis pain or vulvodynia wherein said method comprises administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of idiopathic pain, wherein idiopathic pain comprises fibromyalgia pain wherein said method comprises administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a method wherein the subject is treated with one or more additional therapeutic agents administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to treatment with an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of inhibiting a voltage-gated sodium channel in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′. In another aspect, the voltage-gated sodium channel is Nav1.8.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of inhibiting a voltage-gated sodium channel in a biological sample comprising contacting the biological sample with an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′. In another aspect, the voltage-gated sodium channel is Nav1.8.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of acute pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, arthritis, migraine, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, herpetic neuralgia, general neuralgias, epilepsy, epilepsy conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, dipolar disorder, myotonia, arrhythmia, movement disorders, neuroendocrine disorders, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, incontinence, visceral pain, osteoarthritis pain, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, radicular pain, sciatica, back pain, head pain, neck pain, severe pain, intractable pain, nociceptive pain, breakthrough pain, postsurgical pain, cancer pain, stroke, cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stress induced angina, exercise induced angina, palpitations, hypertension, or abnormal gastro-intestinal motility, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of femur cancer pain; non-malignant chronic bone pain; rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; spinal stenosis; neuropathic low back pain; myofascial pain syndrome; fibromyalgia; temporomandibular joint pain; chronic visceral pain, abdominal pain; pancreatic pain; IBS pain; chronic and acute headache pain; migraine; tension headache, cluster headaches; chronic and acute neuropathic pain, post-herpetic neuralgia; diabetic neuropathy; HIV-associated neuropathy; trigeminal neuralgia; Charcot-Marie Tooth neuropathy; hereditary sensory neuropathies; peripheral nerve injury; painful neuromas; ectopic proximal and distal discharges; radiculopathy; chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain; radiotherapy-induced neuropathic pain; post-mastectomy pain; central pain; spinal cord injury pain; post-stroke pain; thalamic pain; complex regional pain syndrome; phantom pain; intractable pain; acute pain, acute post-operative pain; acute musculoskeletal pain; joint pain; mechanical low back pain; neck pain; tendonitis; injury/exercise pain; acute visceral pain; pyelonephritis; appendicitis; cholecystitis; intestinal obstruction; hernias; chest pain, cardiac pain; pelvic pain, renal colic pain, acute obstetric pain, labor pain; cesarean section pain; acute inflammatory, burn and trauma pain; acute intermittent pain, endometriosis; acute herpes zoster pain; sickle cell anemia; acute pancreatitis; breakthrough pain; orofacial pain including sinusitis pain, dental pain; multiple sclerosis (MS) pain; pain in depression; leprosy pain; Behcet's disease pain; adiposis dolorosa; phlebitic pain; Guillain-Barre pain; painful legs and moving toes; Haglund syndrome; erythromelalgia pain; Fabry's disease pain; bladder and urogenital disease, including, urinary incontinence; hyperactivity bladder; painful bladder syndrome; interstitial cyctitis (IC); prostatitis; complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), type I and type II; widespread pain, paroxysmal extreme pain, pruritis, tinnitis, or angina-induced pain, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of neuropathic pain comprising administering an effective amount of a compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition of the compounds of formula I or formula I′. In one aspect, the neuropathic pain is selected from post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuralgia, painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, burning mouth syndrome, post-amputation pain, phantom pain, painful neuroma, traumatic neuroma, Morton's neuroma, nerve entrapment injury, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, radicular pain, sciatica pain, nerve avulsion injury, brachial plexus avulsion, complex regional pain syndrome, drug therapy induced neuralgia, cancer chemotherapy induced neuralgia, anti-retroviral therapy induced neuralgia, post spinal cord injury pain, idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy, idiopathic sensory neuropathy or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.

Manufacture of Medicaments

In one aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in inhibiting a voltage-gated sodium channel. In another aspect, the voltage-gated sodium channel is Nav1.8.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity in a subject of chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity in a subject of gut pain, wherein gut pain comprises inflammatory bowel disease pain, Crohn's disease pain or interstitial cystitis pain.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in a treating or lessening the severity in a subject of neuropathic pain, wherein neuropathic pain comprises post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuralgia, painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, burning mouth syndrome, post-amputation pain, phantom pain, painful neuroma, traumatic neuroma, Morton's neuroma; nerve entrapment injury, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, radicular pain, sciatica pain; nerve avulsion injury, brachial plexus avulsion injury; complex regional pain syndrome, drug therapy induced neuralgia, cancer chemotherapy induced neuralgia, anti-retroviral therapy induced neuralgia; post spinal cord injury pain, idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy, idiopathic sensory neuropathy or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity in a subject of musculoskeletal pain, wherein musculoskeletal pain comprises osteoarthritis pain, back pain, cold pain, burn pain or dental pain.

In yet another aspect, the invention the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity in a subject of inflammatory pain, wherein inflammatory pain comprises rheumatoid arthritis pain or vulvodynia.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity in a subject of idiopathic pain, wherein idiopathic pain comprises fibromyalgia pain.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to treatment with the compound or pharmaceutical composition.

In another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity of acute pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, arthritis, migraine, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, herpetic neuralgia, general neuralgias, epilepsy, epilepsy conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, dipolar disorder, myotonia, arrhythmia, movement disorders, neuroendocrine disorders, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, incontinence, visceral pain, osteoarthritis pain, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, radicular pain, sciatica, back pain, head pain, neck pain, severe pain, intractable pain, nociceptive pain, breakthrough pain, postsurgical pain, cancer pain, stroke, cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stress induced angina, exercise induced angina, palpitations, hypertension, or abnormal gastro-intestinal motility.

In another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity of femur cancer pain; non-malignant chronic bone pain; rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; spinal stenosis; neuropathic low back pain; myofascial pain syndrome; fibromyalgia; temporomandibular joint pain; chronic visceral pain, abdominal pain; pancreatic pain; IBS pain; chronic and acute headache pain; migraine; tension headache, including, cluster headaches; chronic and acute neuropathic pain, post-herpetic neuralgia; diabetic neuropathy; HIV-associated neuropathy; trigeminal neuralgia; Charcot-Marie Tooth neuropathy; hereditary sensory neuropathies; peripheral nerve injury; painful neuromas; ectopic proximal and distal discharges; radiculopathy; chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain; radiotherapy-induced neuropathic pain; post-mastectomy pain; central pain; spinal cord injury pain; post-stroke pain; thalamic pain; complex regional pain syndrome; phantom pain; intractable pain; acute pain, acute post-operative pain; acute musculoskeletal pain; joint pain; mechanical low back pain; neck pain; tendonitis; injury/exercise pain; acute visceral pain; pyelonephritis; appendicitis; cholecystitis; intestinal obstruction; hernias; chest pain, cardiac pain; pelvic pain, renal colic pain, acute obstetric pain, labor pain; cesarean section pain; acute inflammatory, burn and trauma pain; acute intermittent pain, endometriosis; acute herpes zoster pain; sickle cell anemia; acute pancreatitis; breakthrough pain; orofacial pain including sinusitis pain, dental pain; multiple sclerosis (MS) pain; pain in depression; leprosy pain; Behcet's disease pain; adiposis dolorosa; phlebitic pain; Guillain-Barre pain; painful legs and moving toes; Haglund syndrome; erythromelalgia pain; Fabry's disease pain; bladder and urogenital disease, including, urinary incontinence; hyperactivity bladder; painful bladder syndrome; interstitial cyctitis (IC); prostatitis; complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), type I and type II; widespread pain, paroxysmal extreme pain, pruritis, tinnitis, or angina-induced pain.

In another aspect, the invention provides the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating or lessening the severity of neuropathic pain. In one aspect, the neuropathic pain is selected from post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuralgia, painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, burning mouth syndrome, post-amputation pain, phantom pain, painful neuroma, traumatic neuroma, Morton's neuroma, nerve entrapment injury, spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, radicular pain, sciatica pain, nerve avulsion injury, brachial plexus avulsion, complex regional pain syndrome, drug therapy induced neuralgia, cancer chemotherapy induced neuralgia, anti-retroviral therapy induced neuralgia, post spinal cord injury pain, idiopathic small-fiber neuropathy, idiopathic sensory neuropathy or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.

Administration of Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts and Compositions

In certain embodiments of the invention an “effective amount” of the compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable composition is that amount effective for treating or lessening the severity of one or more of chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia.

The compounds and compositions, according to the method of the invention, may be administered using any amount and any route of administration effective for treating or lessening the severity of one or more of the pain or non-pain diseases recited herein. The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, and general condition of the subject, the severity of the infection, the particular agent, its mode of administration, and the like. The compounds of the invention are preferably formulated in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. The expression “dosage unit form” as used herein refers to a physically discrete unit of agent appropriate for the subject to be treated. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compounds and compositions of the invention will be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific effective dose level for any particular subject or organism will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the subject; the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed, and like factors well known in the medical arts. The term “subject” or “patient,” as used herein, means an animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human.

The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention can be administered to humans and other animals orally, rectally, parenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as by powders, ointments, or drops), bucally, as an oral or nasal spray, or the like, depending on the severity of the infection being treated. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention may be administered orally or parenterally at dosage levels of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg and preferably from about 1 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg, of subject body weight per day, one or more times a day, to obtain the desired therapeutic effect.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethylformamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof. Besides inert diluents, the oral compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

Injectable preparations, for example, sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions may be formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution, suspension or emulsion in a nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution, U.S.P. and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil can be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid are used in the preparation of injectables.

The injectable formulations can be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacterial-retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectable medium prior to use.

In order to prolong the effect of a compound of the invention, it is often desirable to slow the absorption of the compound from subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension of crystalline or amorphous material with poor water solubility. The rate of absorption of the compound then depends upon its rate of dissolution that, in turn, may depend upon crystal size and crystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption of a parenterally administered compound form is accomplished by dissolving or suspending the compound in an oil vehicle. Injectable depot forms are made by forming microencapsule matrices of the compound in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide. Depending upon the ratio of compound to polymer and the nature of the particular polymer employed, the rate of compound release can be controlled. Examples of other biodegradable polymers include poly(orthoesters) and poly(anhydrides). Depot injectable formulations are also prepared by entrapping the compound in liposomes or microemulsions that are compatible with body tissues.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferably suppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of this invention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax which are solid at ambient temperature but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the active compound.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is mixed with at least one inert, pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate and/or a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, b) binders such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, sucrose, and acacia, c) humectants such as glycerol, d) disintegrating agents such as agar—agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate, e) solution retarding agents such as paraffin, f) absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds, g) wetting agents such as, for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, h) absorbents such as kaolin and bentonite clay, and i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage form may also comprise buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like. The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polethylene glycols and the like.

The active compounds can also be in microencapsulated form with one or more excipients as noted above. The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings, release controlling coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. In such solid dosage forms the active compound may be admixed with at least one inert diluent such as sucrose, lactose or starch. Such dosage forms may also comprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g., tableting lubricants and other tableting aids such a magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes.

Dosage forms for topical or transdermal administration of a compound of this invention include ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, powders, solutions, sprays, inhalants or patches. The active component is admixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and any needed preservatives or buffers as may be required. Ophthalmic formulation, eardrops, and eye drops are also contemplated as being within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the invention contemplates the use of transdermal patches, which have the added advantage of providing controlled delivery of a compound to the body. Such dosage forms are prepared by dissolving or dispensing the compound in the proper medium. Absorption enhancers can also be used to increase the flux of the compound across the skin. The rate can be controlled by either providing a rate controlling membrane or by dispersing the compound in a polymer matrix or gel.

As described generally above, the compounds of the invention are useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels. In one embodiment, the compounds and compositions of the invention are inhibitors of Na_(V)1.8 and thus, without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the compounds and compositions are particularly useful for treating or lessening the severity of a disease, condition, or disorder where activation or hyperactivity of Na_(V)1.8 is implicated in the disease, condition, or disorder. When activation or hyperactivity of Na_(V)1.8 is implicated in a particular disease, condition, or disorder, the disease, condition, or disorder may also be referred to as a “Na_(V)1.8-mediated disease, condition or disorder.” Accordingly, in another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating or lessening the severity of a disease, condition, or disorder where activation or hyperactivity of Na_(V)1.8 is implicated in the disease state.

The activity of a compound utilized in this invention as an inhibitor of Na_(V)1.8 may be assayed according to methods described generally in the Examples herein, or according to methods available to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Additional Therapeutic Agents

It will also be appreciated that the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of the invention can be employed in combination therapies, that is, the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions can be administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to, one or more other desired therapeutics or medical procedures. The particular combination of therapies (therapeutics or procedures) to employ in a combination regimen will take into account compatibility of the desired therapeutics and/or procedures and the desired therapeutic effect to be achieved. It will also be appreciated that the therapies employed may achieve a desired effect for the same disorder (for example, an inventive compound may be administered concurrently with another agent used to treat the same disorder), or they may achieve different effects (e.g., control of any adverse effects). As used herein, additional therapeutic agents that are normally administered to treat or prevent a particular disease, or condition, are known as “appropriate for the disease, or condition, being treated.” For example, exemplary additional therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to: nonopioid analgesics (indoles such as Etodolac, Indomethacin, Sulindac, Tolmetin; naphthylalkanones such sa Nabumetone; oxicams such as Piroxicam; para-aminophenol derivatives, such as Acetaminophen; propionic acids such as Fenoprofen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Naproxen sodium, Oxaprozin; salicylates such as Asprin, Choline magnesium trisalicylate, Diflunisal; fenamates such as meclofenamic acid, Mefenamic acid; and pyrazoles such as Phenylbutazone); or opioid (narcotic) agonists (such as Codeine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Levorphanol, Meperidine, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Propoxyphene, Buprenorphine, Butorphanol, Dezocine, Nalbuphine, and Pentazocine). Additionally, nondrug analgesic approaches may be utilized in conjunction with administration of one or more compounds of the invention. For example, anesthesiologic (intraspinal infusion, neural blocade), neurosurgical (neurolysis of CNS pathways), neurostimulatory (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, dorsal column stimulation), physiatric (physical therapy, orthotic devices, diathermy), or psychologic (cognitive methods-hypnosis, biofeedback, or behavioral methods) approaches may also be utilized. Additional appropriate therapeutic agents or approaches are described generally in The Merck Manual, Nineteenth Edition, Ed. Robert S. Porter and Justin L. Kaplan, Merck Sharp &Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., 2011, and the Food and Drug Administration website, www.fda.gov, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In another embodiment, additional appropriate therapeutic agents are selected from the following:

(1) an opioid analgesic, e.g. morphine, heroin, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, levorphanol, levallorphan, methadone, meperidine, fentanyl, cocaine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, propoxyphene, nalmefene, nalorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine or pentazocine;

(2) a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), e.g. aspirin, diclofenac, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen, fenoprofen, flufenisal, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, nimesulide, nitroflurbiprofen, olsalazine, oxaprozin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulfasalazine, sulindac, tolmetin or zomepirac;

(3) a barbiturate sedative, e.g. amobarbital, aprobarbital, butabarbital, butabital, mephobarbital, metharbital, methohexital, pentobarbital, phenobartital, secobarbital, talbutal, theamylal or thiopental;

(4) a benzodiazepine having a sedative action, e.g. chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam or triazolam;

(5) a histamine (H₁) antagonist having a sedative action, e.g. diphenhydramine, pyrilamine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine or chlorcyclizine;

(6) a sedative such as glutethimide, meprobamate, methaqualone or dichloralphenazone; (7) a skeletal muscle relaxant, e.g. baclofen, carisoprodol, chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol or orphrenadine;

(8) an NMDA receptor antagonist, e.g. dextromethorphan ((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan) or its metabolite dextrorphan ((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan), ketamine, memantine, pyrroloquinoline quinine, cis-4-(phosphonomethyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid, budipine, EN-3231 (MorphiDex®), a combination formulation of morphine and dextromethorphan), topiramate, neramexane or perzinfotel including an NR2B antagonist, e.g. ifenprodil, traxoprodil or (−)-(R)-6-{2-[4-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-piperidinyl]-1-hydroxyethyl-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone;

(9) an alpha-adrenergic, e.g. doxazosin, tamsulosin, clonidine, guanfacine, dexmetatomidine, modafinil, or 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methane-sulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline;

(10) a tricyclic antidepressant, e.g. desipramine, imipramine, amitriptyline or nortriptyline;

(11) an anticonvulsant, e.g. carbamazepine (Tegretol®), lamotrigine, topiramate, lacosamide (Vimpat®) or valproate;

(12) a tachykinin (NK) antagonist, particularly an NK-3, NK-2 or NK-1 antagonist, e.g. (alphaR,9R)-7-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-9-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7H-[1,4]diazocino[2,1-g][1,7]-naphthyridine-6-13-dione (TAK-637), 5-[[(2R,3S)-2-[(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-morpholinyl]-methyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (MK-869), aprepitant, lanepitant, dapitant or 3-[[2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-methylamino]-2-phenylpiperidine (2S,3S);

(13) a muscarinic antagonist, e.g oxybutynin, tolterodine, propiverine, tropsium chloride, darifenacin, solifenacin, temiverine and ipratropium;

(14) a COX-2 selective inhibitor, e.g. celecoxib, rofecoxib, parecoxib, valdecoxib, deracoxib, etoricoxib, or lumiracoxib;

(15) a coal-tar analgesic, in particular paracetamol;

(16) a neuroleptic such as droperidol, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, thioridazine, mesoridazine, trifluoperazine, fluphenazine, clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, ziprasidone, quetiapine, sertindole, aripiprazole, sonepiprazole, blonanserin, iloperidone, perospirone, raclopride, zotepine, bifeprunox, asenapine, lurasidone, amisulpride, balaperidone, palindore, eplivanserin, osanetant, rimonabant, meclinertant, Miraxion® or sarizotan;

(17) a vanilloid receptor agonist (e.g. resinferatoxin or civamide) or antagonist (e.g. capsazepine, GRC-15300);

(18) a beta-adrenergic such as propranolol;

(19) a local anaesthetic such as mexiletine;

(20) a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone;

(21) a 5-HT receptor agonist or antagonist, particularly a 5-HT_(1B/1D) agonist such as eletriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan or rizatriptan;

(22) a 5-HT_(2A) receptor antagonist such as R(+)-alpha-(2,3-dimethoxy-phenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidinemethanol (MDL-100907);

(23) a cholinergic (nicotinic) analgesic, such as ispronicline (TC-1734), (E)-N-methyl-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-buten-1-amine (RJR-2403), (R)-5-(2-azetidinylmethoxy)-2-chloropyridine (ABT-594) or nicotine;

(24) Tramadol®, Tramadol ER (Ultram ER®), Tapentadol ER (Nucynta®);

(25) a PDE5 inhibitor, such as 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl-sulphonyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one (sildenafil), (6R,12aR)-2,3,6,7,12,12a-hexahydro-2-methyl-6-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-pyrazino[2′,1′:6,1]-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1,4-dione (IC-351 or tadalafil), 2-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-ethyl-piperazin-1-yl-1-sulphonyl)-phenyl]-5-methyl-7-propyl-3H-imidazo[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4-one (vardenafil), 5-(5-acetyl-2-butoxy-3-pyridinyl)-3-ethyl-2-(1-ethyl-3-azetidinyl)-2,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-(5-acetyl-2-propoxy-3-pyridinyl)-3-ethyl-2-(1-isopropyl-3-azetidinyl)-2,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-ylsulphonyl)pyridin-3-yl]-3-ethyl-2-[2-methoxyethyl]-2,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one, 4-[(3-chloro-4-methoxybenzyl)amino]-2-[(2S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]-N-(pyrimidin-2-ylmethyl)pyrimidine-5-carboxamide, 3-(1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-6,7-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-N-[2-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)ethyl]-4-propoxybenzenesulfonamide;

(26) an alpha-2-delta ligand such as gabapentin (Neurontin®), gabapentin GR (Gralise®), gabapentin, enacarbil (Horizant®), pregabalin (Lyrica®), 3-methyl gabapentin, (1[alpha],3[alpha],5[alpha])(3-amino-methyl-bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-3-yl)-acetic acid, (3S,5R)-3-aminomethyl-5-methyl-heptanoic acid, (3S,5R)-3-amino-5-methyl-heptanoic acid, (3S,5R)-3-amino-5-methyl-octanoic acid, (2S,4S)-4-(3-chlorophenoxy)proline, (2S,4S)-4-(3-fluorobenzyl)-proline, [(1R,5R,6S)-6-(aminomethyl)bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-6-yl]acetic acid, 3-(1-aminomethyl-cyclohexylmethyl)-4H-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-one, C-[1-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)-cycloheptyl]-methylamine, (3S,4S)-(1-aminomethyl-3,4-dimethyl-cyclopentyl)-acetic acid, (3S,5R)-3-aminomethyl-5-methyl-octanoic acid, (3S,5R)-3-amino-5-methyl-nonanoic acid, (3S,5R)-3-amino-5-methyl-octanoic acid, (3R,4R,5R)-3-amino-4,5-dimethyl-heptanoic acid and (3R,4R,5R)-3-amino-4,5-dimethyl-octanoic acid;

(27) a cannabinoid such as KHK-6188;

(28) metabotropic glutamate subtype 1 receptor (mGluR1) antagonist;

(29) a serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as sertraline, sertraline metabolite demethylsertraline, fluoxetine, norfluoxetine (fluoxetine desmethyl metabolite), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, citalopram metabolite desmethylcitalopram, escitalopram, d,l-fenfluramine, femoxetine, ifoxetine, cyanodothiepin, litoxetine, dapoxetine, nefazodone, cericlamine and trazodone;

(30) a noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitor, such as maprotiline, lofepramine, mirtazepine, oxaprotiline, fezolamine, tomoxetine, mianserin, buproprion, buproprion metabolite hydroxybuproprion, nomifensine and viloxazine (Vivalan®), especially a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor such as reboxetine, in particular (S,S)-reboxetine;

(31) a dual serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, such as venlafaxine, venlafaxine metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine, clomipramine, clomipramine metabolite desmethylclomipramine, duloxetine (Cymbalta®), milnacipran and imipramine;

(32) an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor such as S-[2-[(1-iminoethyl)amino]ethyl]-L-homocysteine, 5-[2-[(1-iminoethyl)-amino]ethyl]-4,4-dioxo-L-cysteine, S-[2-[(1-iminoethyl)amino]ethyl]-2-methyl-L-cysteine, (2S,5Z)-2-amino-2-methyl-7-[(1-iminoethyl)amino]-5-heptenoic acid, 2-[[(1R,3S)-3-amino-4-hydroxy-1-(5-thiazolyl)-butyl]thio]-S-chloro-5-pyridinecarbonitrile; 2-[[(1R,3S)-3-amino-4-hydroxy-1-(5-thiazolyl)butyl]thio]-4-chlorobenzonitrile, (2S,4R)-2-amino-4-[[2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]thio]-5-thiazolebutanol, 2-[[(1R,3S)-3-amino-4-hydroxy-1-(5-thiazolyl)butyl]thio]-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinecarbonitrile, 2-[[(1R,3S)-3-amino-4-hydroxy-1-(5-thiazolyl)butyl]thio]-5-chlorobenzonitrile, N-[4-[2-(3-chlorobenzylamino)ethyl]phenyl]thiophene-2-carboxamidine, NXN-462, or guanidinoethyldisulfide;

(33) an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as donepezil;

(34) a prostaglandin E2 subtype 4 (EP4) antagonist such as N-[({2-[4-(2-ethyl-4,6-dimethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-1-yl)phenyl]ethyl}amino)-carbonyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide or 4-[(15)-1-({[5-chloro-2-(3-fluorophenoxy)pyridin-3-yl]carbonyl}amino)ethyl]benzoic acid;

(35) a leukotriene B4 antagonist; such as 1-(3-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl-4-hydroxy-chroman-7-yl)-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (CP-105696), 5-[2-(2-Carboxyethyl)-3-[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5E-hexenyl]oxyphenoxy]-valeric acid (ONO-4057) or DPC-11870;

(36) a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, such as zileuton, 6-[(3-fluoro-5-[4-methoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl])phenoxy-methyl]-1-methyl-2-quinolone (ZD-2138), or 2,3,5-trimethyl-6-(3-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-benzoquinone (CV-6504);

(37) a sodium channel blocker, such as lidocaine, lidocaine plus tetracaine cream (ZRS-201) or eslicarbazepine acetate;

(38) an Na_(V)1.7 blocker, such as XEN-402 and such as those disclosed in WO2011/140425; WO2012/106499; WO2012/112743; WO2012/125613 or PCT/US2013/21535 the entire contents of each application hereby incorporated by reference.

(39) an Na_(V)1.8 blocker, such as those disclosed in WO2008/135826 and WO2006/011050 the entire contents of each application hereby incorporated by reference.

(40) a combined Na_(V)1.7 and Na_(V)1.8 blocker, such as DSP-2230 or BL-1021;

(41) a 5-HT3 antagonist, such as ondansetron;

(42) a TPRV 1 receptor agonist, such as capsaicin (NeurogesX®, Qutenza®); and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof;

(43) a nicotinic receptor antagonist, such as varenicline;

(44) an N-type calcium channel antagonist, such as Z-160;

(45) a nerve growth factor antagonist, such as tanezumab;

(46)_an endopeptidase stimulant, such as senrebotase;

(47) an angiotensin II antagonist, such as EMA-401;

In one embodiment, the additional appropriate therapeutic agents are selected from V-116517, Pregbalin, controlled release Pregbalin, Ezogabine (Potiga®). Ketamine/amitriptyline topical cream (Amiket®), AVP-923, Perampanel (E-2007), Ralfinamide, transdermal bupivacaine (Eladur®), CNV1014802, JNJ-10234094 (Carisbamate), BMS-954561 or ARC-4558.

The amount of additional therapeutic agent present in the compositions of this invention will be no more than the amount that would normally be administered in a composition comprising that therapeutic agent as the only active agent. The amount of additional therapeutic agent in the presently disclosed compositions will range from about 10% to 100% of the amount normally present in a composition comprising that agent as the only therapeutically active agent.

The compounds of this invention or pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof may also be incorporated into compositions for coating an implantable medical device, such as prostheses, artificial valves, vascular grafts, stents and catheters. Accordingly, the invention, in another aspect, includes a composition for coating an implantable device comprising a compound of the invention as described generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and a carrier suitable for coating said implantable device. In still another aspect, the invention includes an implantable device coated with a composition comprising a compound of the invention as described generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and a carrier suitable for coating said implantable device. Suitable coatings and the general preparation of coated implantable devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,099,562; 5,886,026; and 5,304,121. The coatings are typically biocompatible polymeric materials such as a hydrogel polymer, polymethyldisiloxane, polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, ethylene vinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof. The coatings may optionally be further covered by a suitable topcoat of fluorosilicone, polysaccarides, polyethylene glycol, phospholipids or combinations thereof to impart controlled release characteristics in the composition.

Another aspect of the invention relates to inhibiting Na_(V)1.8 activity in a biological sample or a subject, which method comprises administering to the subject, or contacting said biological sample with a compound of formula I or formula I′ or a composition comprising said compound. The term “biological sample,” as used herein, includes, without limitation, cell cultures or extracts thereof; biopsied material obtained from a mammal or extracts thereof; and blood, saliva, urine, feces, semen, tears, or other body fluids or extracts thereof.

Inhibition of Na_(V)1.8 activity in a biological sample is useful for a variety of purposes that are known to one of skill in the art. Examples of such purposes include, but are not limited to, the study of sodium channels in biological and pathological phenomena; and the comparative evaluation of new sodium channel inhibitors.

SCHEMES AND EXAMPLES

The compounds of the invention may be prepared readily using the following methods. Illustrated below in Scheme 1 is a general method for preparing the compounds of the present invention.

X═N, C

Ring A, R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are as defined herein. R^(2A) is defined below. (a) Coupling agent (i.e. HATU, EDCI, HOBT), base (i.e. N-methyl-morpholine), solvent (i.e. DMF, dichloromethane); (b) base (i.e. pyridine), solvent (i.e. dichloromethane, DMF); (c) RingA-OH, base (i.e. Cs₂CO₃, K₂CO₃), ΔT; (d) ester hydrolysis R^(2A)=alkyl (i.e. Me, Et) aqueous base (i.e. NaOH, LiOH), solvent (i.e. MeOH, dioxane); R^(2A)=tBu, acid (i.e. trifluoroacetic acid), solvent (i.e. dichloromethane); (e) Coupling agent (i.e. HATU, EDCI, HOBT), base (i.e. N-methyl-morpholine), solvent (i.e. DMF, dichloromethane)

EXAMPLES General Methods

¹H NMR (400 MHz) spectra were obtained as solutions in an appropriate deuterated solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide-d₆ (DMSO). Mass spectra (MS) were obtained using an Applied Biosystems API EX LC/MS system. Compound purity and retention times were determined by reverse phase HPLC using a Kinetix C18 column (50×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm particle) from Phenomenex (pn: 00B-4475-AN)), and a dual gradient run from 1-99% mobile phase B over 3 minutes. Mobile phase A=H₂O (0.05% CF₃CO₂H). Mobile phase B=CH₃CN (0.05% CF₃CO₂H). Flow rate=2 mL/min, injection volume=3 μL, and column temperature=50° C. Silica gel chromatography was performed using silica gel-60 with a particle size of 230-400 mesh. Pyridine, dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile (ACN), methanol (MeOH), and 1,4-dioxane were from Baker or Aldrich and in some cases the reagents were Aldrich Sure-Seal bottles kept under dry nitrogen. All reactions were stirred magnetically unless otherwise noted.

Example 1 Preparation of 5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (65)

A solution of 2-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride (2.98 mL, 19.72 mmol) in dichloromethane (22.3 mL) was added drop-wise to a mixture of methyl 5-aminopyridine-2-carboxylate (3.0 g, 19.72 mmol), pyridine (4.80 mL, 59.16 mmol) and dichloromethane (89.4 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was removed from the ice bath after 1.5 hours and was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 hours. The mixture was poured into 1N HCl (50 mL) and dichloromethane (50 mL). The layers were separated and the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The product was slurried in hexanes to remove impurities. The solid was isolated by filtration rinsing with hexanes to yield methyl 5-[[2-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (5.16 g, 76%) as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.18 (s, 1H), 8.95 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (dd, J=8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (dd, J=6.1, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.09-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.67 (t, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H) ppm. ESI-MS m/z calc. 342.06. found 343.2 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.54 minutes (3 minutes run).

To 5-[[2-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (51.3 mg, 0.15 mmol) in N-methylpyrrolidinone (1 mL) was added 2,4-dimethoxyphenol (23.1 mg, 0.45 mmol), cesium carbonate (146.6 mg, 0.45 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 100° C. for 50 minutes to yield methyl 5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinate that was taken into the next step without further purification.

Sodium hydroxide (150 μL, 3M) and methanol (150 μL) were added to the methyl 5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinate prepared in the previous step, and the reaction was stirred at 50° C. from 3 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and purified by reverse phase preparative chromatography utilizing a gradient of 10-99% acetonitrile in water containing HCl as a modifier to yield 5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid hydrochloric acid (65) (37.3 mg, 49%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.97 (s, 1H), 8.97 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J=8.8, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (dd, J=8.9, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.92-6.69 (m, 2H), 6.61 (dd, J=8.8, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 3H) ppm. ESI-MS m/z calc. 462.10. found 463.5 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.81 minutes (3 minutes run).

The following compounds were prepared using a procedure similar to the one described above for compound 65 from the following alcohols.

Cmpd No. Product name Alcohol 66 5-(2-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- 4-chloro-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methoxy-phenol 67 5-(2-(4-methoxy-2-methylphenoxy)-5- 4-methoxy-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methyl-phenol 58 5-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-5- 2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid fluoro-phenol 57 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- 4-fluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methoxy-phenol 75 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5- 4-fluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methyl-phenol 69 -(2-(3-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- 3-fluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methoxy-phenol 68 5-(2-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)-5- 2-chloro-4- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methoxy-phenol 61 5-(2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-5- 4-chloro-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methyl-phenol 71 5-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5- 4-fluorophenol (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 62 5-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- 2-methoxyphenol (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 63 5-(2-(2-chlorophenoxy)-5- 2-chlorophenol (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 60 5-(2-(2-(difluoromethoxy)phenoxy)-5- 2-(difluoromethoxy) (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 59 5-(2-(5-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-5- 5-fluoro-2- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methoxy-phenol 64 5-(2-(2-isopropoxyphenoxy)-5- 2-isopropoxyphenol (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 70 5-(2-phenoxy-5- phenol (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid

Example 2 Preparation of 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid (51)

A solution of 4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzoyl chloride (4.35 g, 19.13 mmol) in dichloromethane (40 mL) was added drop-wise to a mixture of methyl 5-aminopyridine-2-carboxylate (2.91 g, 19.13 mmol), pyridine (4.64 mL, 57.39 mmol) and dichloromethane (60 mL) at 0° C. The reaction was stirred and allowed to warm up to room temperature over 2 hours. The mixture was poured into 1N HCl (50 mL) and dichloromethane (50 mL). The two layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (3×200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with water (1×150 mL), dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The product was slurried in hexanes to remove impurities. The solid was isolated by filtration using hexane to yield methyl 5-[(4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzoyl)amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (5.33 g, 81%) as a cream color solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.11 (s, 1H), 8.94 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J=8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H) ppm. ESI-MS m/z calc. 342.00. found 343.1 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.72 minutes (3 minutes run).

Methyl 5-[(4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzoyl)amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (50 mg, 0.14 mmol), 4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenol (18.27 μL, 0.16 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (60.41 mg, 0.44 mmol) were combined in DMF (0.5 mL) and heated at 70° C. for 1.5 hours to form methyl 5-[[4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenoxy)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate. Aqueous NaOH (145.7 μL of 3 M, 0.44 mmol) was then added and heating continued for 30 min. HPLC purification (1-99% CH₃CN/5 mM HCl) provided 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid (51) (35.28 mg, 54%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 13.05 (s, 1H), 10.96 (s, 1H), 8.93 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J=8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.27 (dd, J=8.9, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (dd, J=10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 6.84 (td, J=8.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H) ppm. ESI-MS m/z calc. 450.02. found 451.1 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.61 minutes (3 minutes run).

The following compounds were prepared using a procedure similar to the one described above for compound 51 from the following alcohols.

Cmpd No. Product name Alcohol 32 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- 4-fluoro-2-methyl- methylphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 41 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- 2-chloro-4-fluoro- fluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 39 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- 2,4-dimethoxyphenol dimethoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 44 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4- 4- (trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid (trifluoromethoxy)phenol 42 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- 2,4-difluorophenol difluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid 40 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(3-fluoro-4- 3-fluoro-4-methoxy- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 30 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluorophenoxy)benzamido)picolinic 4-fluorophenol acid 36 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2- 4-chloro-2-methoxy- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 37 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2- 2- (difluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid (difluoromethoxy)phenol 35 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(2,2,2- 442,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid trifluoroethoxy)phenol 34 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-fluoro-4- 2-fluoro-4-methoxy- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 43 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- 2-chloro-4-methoxy- methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 38 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2- 4-chloro-2-methyl- methylphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid phenol 33 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-phenoxybenzamido)picolinic acid phenol 31 5-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4- 2-isopentanol (isopentyloxy)phenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid

Example 3 Preparation of 5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (49)

A solution of 2-fluoro-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride (1.0 g, 3.39 mmol) and dichloromethane (5.0 mL) was added drop-wise to a mixture of methyl 5-aminopyridine-2-carboxylate (619.9 mg, 4.07 mmol), pyridine (824.1 μL, 10.18 mmol) in dichloromethane (20.00 mL) at 0° C. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred at that temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into 1N HCl and dichloromethane. The layers were separated and the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a tan solid. The product was purified on column chromatography eluting with 10-100% ethyl acetate in hexanes to obtain methyl 5-[[2-fluoro-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (850 mg, 61%) as a white solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 410.05. found 411.0 (M+1)+; Retention time: 0.62 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.59 (s, 1H), 8.86 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.48-8.41 (m, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J=8.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H) ppm.

Methyl 5-[[2-fluoro-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (60 mg, 0.15 mmol), 2,4-dimethoxyphenol (24.80 mg, 0.16 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (60.66 mg, 0.44 mmol) were combined in DMF (0.4 mL) and heated at 70° C. Once the reaction was completed (by HPLC), aqueous 5 M NaOH (87.8 μL, 0.44 mmol) was added and the reaction was heated to 50° C. and monitored by HPLC until the reaction was complete. The reaction was cooled to 25° C., filtered and purified by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient of 1-99% ACN in Water and HCl as a modifier to yield 5-(2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (49) (18 mg, 22%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 530.09. found 531.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.54 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.41 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J=8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.17 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (s, 1H), 6.79 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.61 (dd, J=8.9, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (d, J=14.3 Hz, 6H) ppm.

The following compounds were prepared using a procedure similar to the one described above for compound 49 from the following alcohols.

Cmpd. No. Product name Alcohol 50 5-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4,6- 4-fluorophenol bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 48 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- 4-fluoro2- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methoxy-phenol 47 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4,6- 4-fluoro-2- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid methyl-phenol 46 5-(2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- 4-methoxyphenol bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid 45 5-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- 2-methoxyphenol bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid

Example 4 Preparation of 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (72)

A solution of 2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoic acid (80.48 mg, 0.31 mmol), ethyl 5-aminopyridine-2-carboxylate (57.0 mg, 0.34 mmol), HATU (130.4 mg, 0.34 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (68.57 μL, 0.62 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was stirred at 25° C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×). The organics were combined, washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated to give ethyl 5-[[2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (110 mg, 87%) as an orange waxy solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 406.07. found 407.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.64 minutes (3 minutes run).

Ethyl 5-[[2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylate (40.63 mg, 0.10 mmol), 4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenol (42.64 mg, 0.30 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (97.75 mg, 0.30 mmol) in NMP (0.4 mL) was stirred at 90° C. for 1 hour. Aqueous 3M NaOH (100 μL) and MeOH (0.2 mL) were added and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 1 h. The mixture was diluted with methanol, filtered and purified by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient of ACN in Water (1-99%) and HCl as a modifier to give 5-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (72) (20.42 mg, 36%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 500.08. found 501.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.69 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 11.08 (s, 1H), 8.95 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J=8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (dd, J=8.8, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (dd, J=10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.98-6.85 (m, 1H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H) ppm.

5-(2-(4-Fluorophenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (73) was prepared as described above for compound 72 from 4-fluorophenol.

Example 5 Preparation of 5-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (74)

To a solution of 2-chloro-4-fluoro-phenol (20.97 g, 143.10 mmol) and 2-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (25 g, 130.1 mmol) in DMF (125.0 mL) was added Cs₂CO₃ (46.62 g, 143.1 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was poured into water (500 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×150 ml). The organics were combined, washed with water, brine (2×), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated to give a red oil which solidified after standing over night. The material was then triturated with hot hexanes and cooled to 25° C. The slurry was filtered and washed with cold hexanes to give 2-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-phenoxy)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (32.7 g, 79%) as an off white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 10.61 (s, 1H), 7.84-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.66 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J=9.0, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.32 (m, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H) ppm.

To a solution of 2-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-phenoxy)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (31 g, 97.29 mmol) in tBuOH (155.0 mL), water (100.8 mL), CH₃CN (155.0 mL) and 2-methyl-2-butene (51.45 mL, 486.4 mmol) was added sodium dihydrogen phosphate (35.02 g, 291.9 mmol) and the mixture was cooled to 0° C. Sodium chlorite (26.40 g, 291.9 mmol) was added in one portion and the mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 1 hour. The pH of the reaction was adjusted to 2-3 with 1N HCl and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3×). All the organic layers were combined, and solid sodium sulfite (˜5 g) was added followed by brine (50 ml) and 1N NaOH (10 ml) and the mixture was shaken until the yellow color disappeared. The layers were separated and the organic was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered through a short plug of silica and evaporated to dryness to give 2-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-phenoxy)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (40 g, 98%) as an oil that was used in the next step without further purification. ESI-MS m/z calc. 334.00. found 335.1 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.58 minutes (3 minutes run).

A solution of 2-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-phenoxy)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (33.46 mg, 0.10 mmol), ethyl 5-aminopyridine-2-carboxylate (19.94 mg, 0.12 mmol), HATU (41.83 mg, 0.11 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (21.99 μL, 0.20 mmol) was stirred at 100° C. for 8 hours. NaH (16.00 mg, 0.40 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 10 min. The mixture was filtered and purified by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient of acetonitrile in Water (1-99%) and HCl as a modifier, to give 5-[[2-(2-chloro-4-fluoro-phenoxy)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (74) (2.52 mg, 5%) as a white solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 454.03. found 455.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.42 minutes (3 minutes run).

Example 6 Preparation of 5-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (56)

To a solution of 2-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (1.0 g, 5.20 mmol) and 4-fluorophenol (583.5 mg, 5.20 mmol) in DMF (5.0 mL) was added dicesium carbonate (1.7 g, 5.20 mmol) and the mixture was heated at 100° C. for 1 hour. The reaction was cooled to room temperature. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate (5 ml) and water (10 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (2×10 mL), dried with MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to yield a brown oil that was purified by column chromatography using a gradient of ethyl acetate in hexanes (0-25%) to yield 2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (1.16 g, 78%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 10.58 (s, 1H), 8.04 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.18-7.04 (m, 5H) ppm.

To a solution of 2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (1.16 g, 4.08 mmol) in tBuOH (11.60 mL), water (7.30 mL), acetonitrile (7.30 mL) was added sodium dihydrogen phosphate (1.47 g, 12.25 mmol), 2-methyl-2-butene (2.16 mL, 20.42 mmol) and sodium chlorite (1.11 g, 12.25 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 2 hours. The reaction was acidified with 1N HCl and diluted with ethyl acetate. Sodium sulfide was added to remove the slightly yellow color. The 2 layers were separated and the aqueous layer extracted 2 additional times with ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, dried with MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to give 2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (1.0 g, 82%) as a yellow solid that was used in the next step without further purification. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.01 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.18 (m, 3H), 7.14-7.01 (m, 2H) ppm.

A solution of methyl 5-aminopicolinate (15.2 mg, 0.1 mmol), 2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (33.0 mg, 0.12 mmol), N-methylmorpholine (22 μL, 0.2 mmol) and HATU (45.6 mg, 0.12 mmol) in DMF (0.4 mL) was stirred at 40° C. for 16 hours. Aqueous NaOH (166.7 μL, 3M) and methanol (0.2 mL) were added and the mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was diluted with MeOH, filtered and purification by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient of ACN in Water (1-99%) and HCl as a modifier to give 54244-fluorophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)picolinic acid (56) (9.95 mg, 33%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 420.07. found 421.29 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.60 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 13.15-12.96 (m, 1H), 11.09 (s, 1H), 8.90 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.13 (m, 5H) ppm.

Example 7 Preparation of 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid (76)

4,5-Dichloro-2-fluoro-benzoic acid (50 mg, 0.24 mmol), HATU (100.0 mg, 0.26 mmol) and N-methoxymethanamine (hydrochloric acid) (23.33 mg, 0.24 mmol) were combined in DMF (1.0 mL) and treated with DIEA (83.33 μL, 0.48 mmol). After 10 min, the reaction was complete. The reaction was diluted with diethyl ether and washed with 50% sat. NaHCO₃ (2×) and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. Silica gel chromatography using a gradient of ethyl acetate/hexanes from 0 to 30% provided 4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methyl-benzamide (50 mg, 83%) as a colorless oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.54 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.35 (s, 3H) ppm.

To a stirring solution of 4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methyl-benzamide (5.1 g, 20.23 mmol) in THF (100 mL) at −78° was added a solution of lithium aluminum hydride in THF (12.14 mL of 2 M, 24.28 mmol). After 3 h at −78° C., 50 mL water was added followed by 50 mL of 1N HCl. The reaction was allowed to warm to 25° C. and stirred for 1 h. The reaction was diluted with water and extracted with diethyl ether. The ether was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to provide crude 4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzaldehyde that was taken directly into the next step without further purification.

Crude 4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzaldehyde, 4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenol (2.31 mL, 20.23 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (5.59 g, 40.46 mmol) were combined in DMF (100 mL) and heated for ˜30 min at 70° C., then at 55° C. overnight. The reaction was cooled, diluted with water (500 mL) and extracted with diethyl ether. The ether layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated. Silica gel chromatography using a gradient of ethyl acetate/hexane (0-40%) provided 4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenoxy)benzaldehyde (3.30 g, 51%) as a crystalline white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.39 (s, 1H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 7.35 (dd, J=8.8, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J=10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.92-6.85 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H) ppm.

To a solution of 4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenoxy)benzaldehyde (3.3 g, 10.47 mmol) in tBuOH (33.00 mL), water (19.80 mL) and acetonitrile (19.80 mL) was added sodium dihydrogen phosphate (655.9 μL, 10.47 mmol), 2-methylbut-2-ene (5.54 mL, 52.35 mmol) and sodium chlorite (2.84 g, 31.41 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was acidified with 1N HCl and diluted with ethyl acetate. Sodium sulfite was added to remove the faint yellow color. The two layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×25 mL). The combined organics were washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The solid was triturated with hexanes and filtered to provide 4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenoxy)benzoic acid (2.94 g, 85%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 13.37 (br s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.18-7.12 (m, 2H), 6.86-6.80 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H) ppm.

4,5-Dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenoxy)benzoic acid (40 mg, 0.12 mmol), methyl 4-aminopicolinate (36.5 mg, 0.24 mmol) and HATU (45.9 mg, 0.12 mmol) were combined in DMF (1 mL) and heated at 50° C. for 2 hours. The reaction was treated with 10 drops of 3 M NaOH and heated at 50° C. for 16 h. The reaction was filtered and purified by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient of acetonitrile in water containing HCl (5 mM) as a modifier (10-99%) to yield 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)picolinic acid (76) (3.80 mg, 7%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 450.02. found 451.1 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.47 minutes (3 minutes run).

Example 8 Preparation of 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (27)

To a solution of 2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenoxy)-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoic acid (152.1 mg, 0.10 mmol), tert-butyl 4-aminobenzoate (21.26 mg, 0.11 mmol) and HATU (41.83 mg, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was added N-methylmorpholine (24.18 μL, 0.22 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×). The organics were combined, evaporated and taken up in dichloromethane (0.25 mL). TFA (0.25 mL, 3.245 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 1 h. The mixture was diluted with MeOH, filtered and purified by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient of acetonitrile in water (1-99%) containing HCl as a modifier to give 4-[[2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenoxy)-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoic acid (27) (5.16 mg, 10%) as a white solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 499.07. found 500.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.82 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.84 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.16 (dd, J=10.6, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.98-6.82 (m, 1H), 6.77 (s, 1H), 3.73 (s, 3H) ppm.

Example 9 Preparation of 4-(2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (2)

4-Bromo-2-fluoro-benzoic acid (3.5 g, 15.98 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (70.00 mL) at 25° C. under N₂ atmosphere. The 1,1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoro-2-iodoethane tank was cooled and then excess poured into a reaction flask under N₂. A mixture of activated copper (nanoparticles <100 nM) (8.528 g, 134.2 mmol) was added and the reaction flask was sealed under N₂ and heated in an oil bath for 30 minutes at 100° C., then the temperature was raised to 120° C. and stirred for 48 hrs. After 48 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. The reaction mixture was filtered and the copper filter cake was washed with 40 ml DMSO. The filtrate was diluted with ethyl acetate (450 ml) and re-filtered to get rid of any remaining copper salt. To the filtrate was added 1000 ml water and the mixture was extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed 3 times with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give 2.8 g of crude product that was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of ethyl acetate and hexanes (0-40%). 2-Fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoic acid (1.80 g, 44%) was obtained as an as off-white solid.

To 2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoic acid (1 g, 3.87 mmol) was added thionyl chloride (3.67 mL, 50.36 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at 60° C. for 22 hours. Excess thionyl chloride was removed in vacuo to yield 2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoyl chloride (1 g, 93%) as a viscous yellow liquid.

A solution of 2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoyl chloride (0.46 g, 1.66 mmol) in dichloromethane (6.34 mL) was added dropwise to a mixture of tert-butyl 4-aminobenzoate (321.4 mg, 1.66 mmol), pyridine (403.5 μL, 4.99 mmol) and dichloromethane (4.2 mL) at 0° C. The reaction was stirred and allowed to warm up to room temperature over 18 hours. To this reaction, water (5 mL) was added. The two layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water (2×10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield tert-butyl 4-[[2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate (0.7 g, 97%) that was used in the next step without further purification. ESI-MS m/z calc. 433.11. found 434.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 2.27 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.96 (s, 1H), 7.99-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.90-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.71 (dd, J=8.1, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 1.55 (s, 9H) ppm.

A mixture of tert-butyl 4-[[2-fluoro-4-(1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoroethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate (130 mg, 0.30 mmol), 2,4-difluorophenol (39.03 mg, 0.3 mmol), potassium carbonate (41.16 mg, 0.3 mmol) and N-methylpyrrolidinone (2 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 3 hours. The reaction was filtered and taken to the next step without further purification.

The ester obtained in the previous step was dissolved in dichloromethane (1 mL). 2,2,2-Trifluoroacetic acid (4 mL, 52.50 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 40° C. for 18 hours. The excess TFA and dichloromethane was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was filtered and purified by reverse phase preparative chromatography utilizing a gradient of 30-99% acetonitrile in water containing HCl as a modifier to yield 4-(2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (2) (31.8 mg, 22%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 487.07. found 488.5 (M+1)+. Retention time: 2.01 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.92 (s, 1H), 7.98-7.87 (m, 3H), 7.87-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.22-7.13 (m, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H) ppm.

4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4-(perfluoroethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (3) was prepared following a procedure similar to the one reported above for compound 2 from 4-fluoro-2-methylphenol.

Example 10 Preparation of 4-(2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (7)

A solution of 2-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride (3 g, 13.24 mmol) in dichloromethane (27.6 mL) was added dropwise to a mixture of methyl 4-aminobenzoate (2.0 g, 13.24 mmol), pyridine (3.21 mL, 39.72 mmol) and dichloromethane (41.4 mL) at 0° C. The reaction was stirred and allowed to warm up to room temperature over 2 hours. To the reaction, water (30 mL) was added. The solid was isolated by filtration, washed with water (2×30 mL) and hexane (2×30 mL) to yield methyl 4-[[2-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate (3.811 g, 84%) as a white solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 341.07. found 342.2 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.64 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.97 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.96 (m, 2H), 7.96-7.89 (m, 2H), 7.89-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.76 (dd, J=8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H) ppm.

To methyl 4-[[2-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate (102.4 mg, 0.3 mmol), 4-trifluoromethoxyphenol (38.9 μl, 0.3 mmol), potassium carbonate (41.46 mg, 0.3 mmol) and N-methylpyrrolidinone (2 mL) were added and the reaction was stirred at 100° C. for 3 hours. The reaction was filtered and used in the next step without further purification.

To the ester from the previous step were added lithium hydroxide (2M, 450 μL, 0.9 mmol) and methanol (300 μL) and the reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 3 hours. The reaction was filtered and purified by reverse phase preparative chromatography utilizing a gradient of 30-99% acetonitrile in water containing HCl as a modifier to yield 4-(2-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (7) (53.8 mg, 37%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 485.07. found 486.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 2.05 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.85 (s, 1H), 7.96-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.78-7.67 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.17 (m, 2H) ppm.

The following compounds were prepared using a procedure similar to the one described above for compound 7 from the following alcohols.

Cmpd No. Product name Alcohol 4 4-(2-(2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxy)-4- 2-chloro-4-fluoro- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid phenol 5 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4- 4-fluoro-2-methyl- (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid phenol 6 4-(2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)-4- 2,4-difluorophenol (trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid

Example 11 Preparation of 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid (18)

A solution of 4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzoyl chloride (794.5 mg, 3.49 mmol) in dichloromethane (7.3 mL) was added drop-wise to a mixture of methyl 4-aminobenzoate (528.0 mg, 3.49 mmol), pyridine (847.6 μL, 10.48 mmol) and dichloromethane (11.0 mL) at 0° C. The reaction was stirred and allowed to warm up to room temperature over 1.5 hours. To the reaction, water (10 mL) was added. The solid was isolated by filtration, washed with water (2×10 mL) and hexane (2×10 mL) to yield methyl 4-[(4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzoyl)amino]benzoate (955 mg, 80%) as a light pink solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 341.00. found 342.2 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.75 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.90 (s, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 1H), 8.02-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.93 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.76 (m, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H) ppm.

A mixture of methyl 4-[(4,5-dichloro-2-fluoro-benzoyl)amino]benzoate (34.21 mg, 0.1 mmol), 4-chloro-2-methoxyphenol (12.16 μl, 0.1 mmol), potassium carbonate 13.82 mg, 0.1 mmol) and N-methylpyrrolidinone (1 mL) were heated at 80° C. for 2.5 hours. Methanol (100 μL) and sodium hydroxide (3M, 100 μL, 0.3 mmol) were added and the reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 2 hours. An additional 100 μL of MeOH and 100 μL of 3M NaOH were added and the reactions were heated for another hour. The reaction mixture was filtered and purified by reverse phase preparative chromatography utilizing a gradient of 10-99% acetonitrile in water containing HCl as a modifier to yield 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid (18) (11.78 mg, 25%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 464.99. found 466.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 2.20 minutes (3 minutes run).

The following compounds were prepared using a procedure similar to the one described above for compound 18 from the following alcohols.

Cmpd. No. Product name Alcohol 12 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- 4-fluoro-2-methoxy-phenol methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 14 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-fluoro-2- 4-fluoro-2-methyl-phenol methylphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 26 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4- 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenol (trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 20 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-chloro-2- 4-chloro-2-methyl-phenol methylphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 21 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- 2,4-dimethoxyphenol dimethoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 23 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- 2-chloro-4-fluoro-phenol fluorophenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 24 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2,4- 2,4-difluorophenol difluorophenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 13 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4- 4-fluorophenol fluorophenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 17 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(4-(2,2,2- 4-(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid trifluoroethoxy)phenol 19 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2- 2-(difluoromethoxy)phenol (difluoromethoxy)phenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 22 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(3-fluoro-4- 3-fluoro-4-methoxy-phenol methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 25 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-chloro-4- 2-chloro-4-methoxy-phenol methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 16 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-fluoro-4- 2-fluoro-4-methoxy-phenol methoxyphenoxy)benzamido)benzoic acid 15 4-(4,5-dichloro-2-phenoxybenzamido)benzoic acid phenol

Example 12 Preparation of 4-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (11)

To a solution of methyl 4-aminobenzoate (514.6 mg, 3.40 mmol) and di-isopropylethyl amine (1.77 mL, 10.18 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) at 0° C. was added a solution of 2-fluoro-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride (1 g, 3.39 mmol) in dichloromethane. The reaction was complete after 10 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water (2×200 mL), 1 N HCl (2×50 mL), and brine then dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. Silica gel chromatography using a gradient of ethyl acetate/hexane (0-100%) provided methyl 4-[[2-fluoro-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate (459 mg, 33%) as an off-white solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 409.05. found 410.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.86 minutes. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 11.22 (s, 1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.56-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.51-7.46 (m, 1H), 3.42 (s, 3H) ppm.

4-Fluorophenol (12.05 mg, 0.1075 mmol), methyl 4-[[2-fluoro-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate (40 mg, 0.09774 mmol), and K₂CO₃ (40.52 mg, 0.29 mmol) were combined in DMF (0.5 mL) and heated at 90° C. for 10 min resulting in complete conversion to methyl 4-[[2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate. NaOH (97.73 μL of 3 M, 0.29 mmol) was added and the reaction heated at 90° C. for 2 hours, then at 50° C. for overnight. Additional NaOH was added [2×NaOH (97.73 μL of 3 M, 0.29 mmol), 6 eq] and the reaction heated at 90° C. for 5 hours. HPLC purification using a gradient of acetonitrile in water (10-99%) with 5 mM HCl as a modifier provided 4-(2-(4-fluorophenoxy)-4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (11) as a white solid. ESI-MS m/z calc. 487.06. found 488.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 1.84 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 12.83 (s, 1H), 11.14 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.36-7.22 (m, 4H) ppm.

The following compounds were prepared using a procedure similar to the one described above for compound 11 from the following alcohols.

Cmpd. No. Product name Alcohol 10 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4,6- 4-fluoro-2- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid methoxy-phenol 9 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-4,6- 4-fluoro-2- bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid methyl-phenol 8 4-(2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)-4,6- 2,4-difluorophenol bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid

Example 13 Preparation of 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (28)

Triethylamine (177.4 ml, 1.27 mmol) was added to a solution of 2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (100 mg, 0.32 mmol), HATU (121 mg, 0.32 mmol) and tert-butyl 4-aminobenzoate (61.49 mg, 0.32 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was filtered and purified by reverse phase LC-MS using a gradient of acetonitrile in water (10-99%) and HCl as a modifier to yield tert-butyl 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoate (43.8 mg, 28%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 489.16. found 490.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 2.46 minutes (3 minutes run).

tert-Butyl 4-[[2-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-phenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]benzoate (43.8 mg, 0.09 mmol) was suspended in dichloromethane (1.45 mL) and TFA (1.45 mL) was added and the mixture stirred 0.5 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered and purified by reverse phase HPLC using a gradient of acetonitrile and water (10-99%) and HCl as a modifier to yield 4-(2-(4-fluoro-2-methylphenoxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamido)benzoic acid (28) (24.71 mg, 67%). ESI-MS m/z calc. 433.09. found 434.3 (M+1)+. Retention time: 2.00 minutes (3 minutes run). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.78 (s, 1H), 10.83 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (dd, J=15.4, 5.6 Hz, 3H), 7.18 (m, 3H), 6.83 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 2.14 (s, 3H) ppm.

Analytical data for the compounds of the present invention is provided below in Table 2. Mass Spec (e.g., M+1 data in Table 2), final purity and retention times were determined by reverse phase HPLC using a Kinetix C18 column (50×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm particle) from Phenomenex (pn: 00B-4475-AN)), and a dual gradient run from 1-99% mobile phase B over 3 minutes. Mobile phase A=H₂O (0.05% CF₃CO₂H). Mobile phase B=CH₃CN (0.05% CF₃CO₂H). Flow rate=2 mL/min, injection volume=3 μL, and column temperature=50° C.

TABLE 2 Analytical Data LCMS Ret. Cmpd. Time in MS No. minutes (M + 1) ¹H-NMR (400 MHz) 1 2.08 504.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.90 (s, 1H), 7.98-7.89 (m, 3H), 7.83-7.74 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H) ppm. 2 2.02 488.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.92 (s, 1H), 7.98-7.87 (m, 3H), 7.87-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.22-7.13 (m, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H) ppm. 3 2.12 484.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.89 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.87 (m, 3H), 7.87-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.57 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.33- 7.16 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.03 (m, 2H), 6.90 (s, 1H), 2.15 (s, 3H) ppm. 4 1.96 454.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.86 (s, 1H), 7.97-7.87 (m, 3H), 7.84-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.67 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.11 (s, 1H) ppm. 5 1.99 434.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.85 (s, 1H), 7.97-7.90 (m, 2H), 7.87 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.83-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.61 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.25-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.05 (m, 2H), 6.98 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 2.16 (s, 3H) ppm. 6 1.91 438.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.89 (s, 1H), 7.99-7.84 (m, 3H), 7.84-7.74 (m, 2H), 7.66 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.56- 7.44 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.10 (m, 2H) ppm. 7 2.05 486.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.85 (s, 1H), 7.96-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.78-7.67 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.17 (m, 2H) ppm. 8 1.84 506.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.83 (s, 1H), 11.17 (s, 1H), 8.02 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.54 (ddd, J = 11.5, 8.8, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (td, J = 9.2, 5.4 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (tdd, J = 9.4, 3.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H) ppm. 9 1.91 502.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.83 (s, 1H), 11.15 (s, 1H), 7.98-7.92 (m, 3H), 7.75 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.28-7.23 (m, 2H), 7.21- 7.11 (m, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H) ppm. 10 1.86 518.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.82 (s, 1H), 11.11 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.77 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (dd, J = 8.9, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (dd, J = 10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 6.88 (ddd, J = 8.8, 8.1, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H) ppm. 11 1.84 488.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.83 (s, 1H), 11.14 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.36-7.22 (m, 4H) ppm. 12 2.08 450.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.70 (s, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.37- 7.21 (m, 1H), 7.13 (dd, J = 10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 6.84 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H) ppm. 13 2.07 420.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.77 (s, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.76 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.30- 7.21 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.14 (m, 3H) ppm. 14 2.1 434.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.78 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.96-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.77 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (dd, J = 9.3, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.14-7.04 (m, 2H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 2.16 (s, 3H) ppm. 15 2.04 402.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.78 (s, 1H), 10.77 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.75 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H) ppm. 16 2.08 450.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.80 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (t, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (dd, J = 12.6, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 6.87-6.81 (m, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H) ppm. 17 2.18 500.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.76 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.78 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.20- 7.14 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.09 (m, 2H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 4.75 (q, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H) ppm. 18 2.2 466.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.71 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.78 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (s, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H) ppm. 19 2.06 468.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.78 (s, 1H), 10.76 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.75 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.39- 7.14 (m, 6H) ppm. 20 2.24 450.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.78 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 7.01 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 2.17 (s, 3H) ppm. 21 2.14 462.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.67 (s, 1H), 8.02-7.89 (m, 3H), 7.81 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.86- 6.65 (m, 2H), 6.59 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s, 3H) ppm. 22 2.06 450.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.74 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.77 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.27- 7.05 (m, 3H), 7.07-6.82 (m, 1H), 3.82 (s, 3H) ppm. 23 2.1 454.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.79 (s, 1H), 10.79 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.77 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.61 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.17 (s, 1H) ppm. 24 2.06 438.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.82 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.96-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.83-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.54-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.29 (m, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.22-7.07 (m, 1H) ppm. 25 2.15 466.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.77 (s, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (dd, J = 9.1, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H) ppm. 26 2.18 486.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.78 (s, 1H), 10.78 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.72 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (s, 1H), 7.39 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.31-7.05 (m, 2H) ppm. 27 1.82 500.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.80 (s, 1H), 10.84 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.16 (dd, J = 10.6, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.98-6.82 (m, 1H), 6.77 (s, 1H), 3.73 (s, 3H) ppm. 28 1.86 450.3 29 2 434.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 12.78 (s, 1H), 10.83 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (dd, J = 15.4, 5.6 Hz, 3H), 7.18 (m, 3H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 2.14 (s, 3H) ppm. 30 1.94 421.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.05 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.35-7.10 (m, 5H) ppm. 31 2.09 397.3 32 2.04 435.3 33 1.95 403.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.03 (s, 1H), 11.01 (s, 1H), 8.86 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.09-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 7.18 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H) ppm. 34 1.97 451.3 35 2.11 501.3 36 2.07 467.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 10.98 (s, 1H), 8.91 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.28 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H) ppm. 37 1.99 469.3 38 2.12 451.3 39 2.02 463.3 40 1.95 451.3 41 2.01 455.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.06 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.15-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.61 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.22 (s, 1H) ppm. 42 1.94 439.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.05 (s, 1H), 11.06 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.23-7.01 (m, 1H) ppm. 43 2.04 467.1 44 2.1 487.3 45 1.61 501.4 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.44 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.33 (td, J = 7.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (ddd, J = 7.9, 5.0, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.08-7.00 (m, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H) ppm. 46 1.51 501.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.45 (s, 1H), 8.86 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.33 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.27-7.14 (m, 2H), 7.12- 6.98 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H) ppm. 47 1.6 503 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.45 (s, 1H), 8.85 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.29 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (dd, J = 9.4, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (qd, J = 8.8, 5.4 Hz, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H) ppm. 48 1.54 519.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.42 (s, 1H), 8.88 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.28 (dd, J = 8.9, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.22-7.12 (m, 2H), 6.88 (td, J= 8.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H). [1] 49 1.54 531.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.41 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.17 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (s, 1H), 6.79 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.61 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (d, J = 14.3 Hz, 6H) ppm. 50 1.51 489 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.45 (s, 1H), 8.84 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.38- 7.91 (m, 3H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.39-7.14 (m, 4H) ppm. 51 1.61 451.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.05 (s, 1H), 10.96 (s, 1H), 8.93 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.27 (dd, J = 8.9, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (dd, J = 10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 6.84 (td, J = 8.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H). [1], 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) ? 10.68 (s, 1H), 8.77 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (dd, J = 8.9, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (dd, J = 10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.92-6.78 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H) ppm. (For Sodium Salt) (DMSO-d6) δ 13.05 (s, 1H), 10.96 (s, 1H), 8.93 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.27 (dd, J = 8.9, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (dd, J = 10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 6.85 (td, J = 8.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H) ppm. (For Free base) 52 1.8 439.36 53 1.89 423.37 54 1.79 409.39 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.00 (s, 1H), 10.80 (s, 1H), 8.88 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.24-7.14 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.02 (m, 2H), 7.00 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 1.25 (s, 9H) ppm. 55 1.27 353.1 56 1.6 421.29 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.15-12.96 (m, 1H), 11.09 (s, 1H), 8.90 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.13 (m, 5H) ppm. 57 1.81 451.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.02 (s, 1H), 8.97 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.06- 7.91 (m, 1H), 7.91-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.17 (dd, J = 10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.92-6.84 (m, 1H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H) ppm. 58 1.84 455.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.09 (s, 1H), 8.94 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.23-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.85 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (dd, J = 8.4, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.54-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.25 (m, 1H), 6.96 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) ppm. 59 1.79 451.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.01 (s, 1H), 8.96 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.27-7.19 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.91 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H) ppm. 60 1.81 469.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.06 (s, 1H), 8.92 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.23-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.86 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.42-6.97 (m, 6H) ppm. 61 1.95 451.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.01 (s, 1H), 11.07 (s, 1H), 8.92 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.17-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.84 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 2.16 (s, 3H) ppm. 62 1.77 433.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.00 (s, 1H), 8.97 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.18 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.81 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.73 (s, 3H) ppm. 63 1.8 437.1 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.09 (s, 1H), 8.93 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.26 (m, 2H), 6.97 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) ppm. 64 1.95 461.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.05 (s, 1H), 10.94 (s, 1H), 8.96 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.27-7.17 (m, 2H), 7.14-6.94 (m, 1H), 6.85 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.65-4.46 (m, 1H), 1.07 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 6H) ppm. 65 1.81 463.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 10.97 (s, 1H), 8.97 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.92-6.69 (m, 2H), 6.61 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 3H) ppm. 66 1.88 467.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.01 (s, 1H), 8.95 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.10 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H) ppm. 67 1.87 447.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.04 (s, 1H), 11.05 (s, 1H), 8.96 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (d, J = 3.1 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (dd, J = 8.8, 3.1 Hz, 1H), 6.78 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H) ppm. 68 1.85 467.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 13.07 (s, 1H), 11.06 (s, 1H), 8.96 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (dd, J = 9.0, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H) ppm. 69 1.78 451.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.12 (s, 1H), 8.95 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.16-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.84 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.04 (m, 1H), 7.01 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, 1H), 3.77 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 3H) ppm. 70 1.76 403.5 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.09 (s, 1H), 8.93 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.31 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.12-8.01 (m, 2H), 7.87 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.22 (m, 1H), 7.22-7.15 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) ppm. 71 1.78 421.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.08 (s, 1H), 8.94 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.14-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.86 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.20 (m, 4H), 7.03 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H) ppm. 72 1.69 501.3 (DMSO-d6) δ 11.08 (s, 1H), 8.95 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (dd, J = 8.8, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (dd, J = 10.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.98-6.85 (m, 1H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H) ppm. 73 1.65 471.5 74 1.42 455.3 75 1.62 435.3 76 1.48 451.1

Assays for Detecting and Measuring Na_(V) Inhibition Properties of Compounds

E-VIPR Optical Membrane Potential Assay Method with Electrical Stimulation

Sodium channels are voltage-dependent proteins that can be activated by inducing membrane voltage changes by applying electric fields. The electrical stimulation instrument and methods of use are described in Ion Channel Assay Methods PCT/US01/21652, herein incorporated by reference and are referred to as E-VIPR. The instrument comprises a microtiter plate handler, an optical system for exciting the coumarin dye while simultaneously recording the coumarin and oxonol emissions, a waveform generator, a current- or voltage-controlled amplifier, and a device for inserting electrodes in well. Under integrated computer control, this instrument passes user-programmed electrical stimulus protocols to cells within the wells of the microtiter plate.

24 hours before the assay on E-VIPR, HEK cells expressing human Nav1.8 were seeded in 384-well poly-lysine coated plates at 15,000-20,000 cells per well. HEK cells were grown in media (exact composition is specific to each cell type and NaV subtype) supplemented with 10% FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum, qualified; GibcoBRL #16140-071) and 1% Pen-Strep (Penicillin-Streptomycin; GibcoBRL #15140-122). Cells were grown in vented cap flasks, in 90% humidity and 5% CO₂.

Reagents and Solutions

100 mg/mL Pluronic F-127 (Sigma #P2443), in dry DMSO

Compound Plates: 384-well round bottom plate, e.g. Corning 384-well Polypropylene Round Bottom #3656

Cell Plates: 384-well tissue culture treated plate, e.g. Greiner #781091-1B

10 mM DiSBAC₆(3) (Aurora #00-100-010) in dry DMSO

10 mM CC2-DMPE (Aurora #00-100-008) in dry DMSO

200 mM ABSC1 in H₂O

Bath1 buffer: Glucose 10 mM (1.8 g/L), Magnesium Chloride (Anhydrous), 1 mM (0.095 g/L), Calcium Chloride, 2 mM (0.222 g/L), HEPES 10 mM (2.38 g/L), Potassium Chloride, 4.5 mM (0.335 g/L), Sodium Chloride 160 mM (9.35 g/L).

Hexyl Dye Solution: Bath1 Buffer+0.5% β-cyclodextrin (make this prior to use, Sigma #C4767), 8 μM CC2-DMPE+2.5 μM DiSBAC₆(3). To make the solution added volume of 10% Pluronic F127 stock equal to volumes of CC2-DMPE+DiSBAC₆(3). The order of preparation was first mix Pluronic and CC2-DMPE, then added DiSBAC₆(3) while vortexing, then added Bath1+β-Cyclodextrin.

Assay Protocol

1) Pre-spotted compounds (in neat DMSO) into compound plates. Vehicle control (neat DMSO), the positive control (20 mM DMSO stock tetracaine, 125 μM final in assay) and test compounds were added to each well at 160× desired final concentration in neat DMSO. Final compound plate volume was 80 μL (80-fold intermediate dilution from 1 μL DMSO spot; 160-fold final dilution after transfer to cell plate). Final DMSO concentration for all wells in assay was 0.625%.

2) Prepared Hexyl Dye Solution.

3) Prepared cell plates. On the day of the assay, medium was aspirated and cells were washed three times with 100 μL of Bath1 Solution, maintaining 25 μL residual volume in each well.

4) Dispensed 25 μL per well of Hexyl Dye Solution into cell plates. Incubated for 20-35 minutes at room temp or ambient conditions.

5) Dispensed 80 μL per well of Bath1 into compound plates. Acid Yellow-17 (1 mM) was added and Potassium Chloride was altered from 4.5 to 20 mM depending on the NaV subtype and assay sensitivity.

6) Washed cell plates three times with 100 μL per well of Bath1, leaving 25 μL of residual volume. Then transferred 25 uL per well from Compound Plates to Cell Plates. Incubated for 20-35 minutes at room temp/ambient condition.

7) Read Plate on E-VIPR. Used the current-controlled amplifier to deliver stimulation wave pulses for 10 seconds and a scan rate of 200 Hz. A pre-stimulus recording was performed for 0.5 seconds to obtain the un-stimulated intensities baseline. The stimulatory waveform was followed by 0.5 seconds of post-stimulation recording to examine the relaxation to the resting state.

Data Analysis

Data was analyzed and reported as normalized ratios of emission intensities measured in the 460 nm and 580 nm channels. The response as a function of time was reported as the ratios obtained using the following formula:

${R(t)} = \frac{\left( {{intensity}_{460\mspace{11mu} {nm}} - {background}_{460\mspace{11mu} {nm}}} \right)}{\left( {{intensity}_{580\mspace{11mu} {nm}} - {background}_{580\mspace{11mu} {nm}}} \right)}$

The data was further reduced by calculating the initial (R_(i)) and final (R_(f)) ratios. These were the average ratio values during part or all of the pre-stimulation period, and during sample points during the stimulation period. The response to the stimulus R═R_(f)/R_(i) was then calculated and reported as a function of time.

Control responses were obtained by performing assays in the presence of a compound with the desired properties (positive control), such as tetracaine, and in the absence of pharmacological agents (negative control). Responses to the negative (N) and positive (P) controls were calculated as above. The compound antagonist activity A is defined as:

$A = {\frac{R - P}{N - P}*100.}$

where R is the ratio response of the test compound

Electrophysiology Assays for Na_(V) Activity and Inhibition of Test Compounds

Patch clamp electrophysiology was used to assess the efficacy and selectivity of sodium channel blockers in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Rat neurons were isolated from the dorsal root ganglions and maintained in culture for 2 to 10 days in the presence of NGF (50 ng/ml) (culture media consisted of NeurobasalA supplemented with B27, glutamine and antibiotics). Small diameter neurons (nociceptors, 8-12 μm in diameter) were visually identified and probed with fine tip glass electrodes connected to an amplifier (Axon Instruments). The “voltage clamp” mode was used to assess the compound's IC₅₀ holding the cells at −60 mV. In addition, the “current clamp” mode was employed to test the efficacy of the compounds in blocking action potential generation in response to current injections. The results of these experiments contributed to the definition of the efficacy profile of the compounds.

The exemplified compounds in Table 1 herein are active against Nav1.8 sodium channels as measured using the assays described herein and as presented in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Nav1.8 IC₅₀ activity Cmpd. No Na_(v)1.8 IC₅₀ (μM) 1 0.017 2 0.032 3 0.022 4 0.058 5 0.06 6 0.145 7 0.037 8 0.405 9 0.13 10 0.037 11 0.305 12 0.011 13 0.058 14 0.015 15 0.29 16 0.115 17 0.062 18 0.011 19 0.066 20 0.024 21 0.027 22 0.078 23 0.033 24 0.053 25 0.092 26 0.024 27 0.02 28 0.34 29 0.245 30 0.034 31 1 32 0.011 33 0.19 34 0.052 35 0.05 36 0.039 37 0.046 38 0.074 39 0.015 40 0.034 41 0.012 42 0.031 43 0.065 44 0.02 45 0.064 46 0.066 47 0.042 48 0.014 49 0.006 50 0.13 51 0.009 52 0.031 53 0.046 54 0.18 55 4.35 56 0.25 57 0.096 58 0.08 59 0.74 60 0.65 61 0.145 62 0.37 63 0.43 64 0.755 65 0.039 66 0.068 67 0.079 68 0.135 69 0.135 70 0.985 71 0.285 72 0.035 73 0.11 74 0.405 75 0.108 76 0.012

IonWorks Assays.

This assay was performed to determine the activity for the compounds of the present invention against non Na_(V)1.8 channels. Sodium currents were recorded using the automated patch clamp system, IonWorks (Molecular Devices Corporation, Inc.). Cells expressing Na_(V) subtypes were harvested from tissue culture and placed in suspension at 0.5-4 million cells per mL Bath1. The IonWorks instrument measured changes in sodium currents in response to applied voltage clamp similarly to the traditional patch clamp assay, except in a 384-well format. Using the IonWorks, dose-response relationships were determined in voltage clamp mode by depolarizing the cell from the experiment specific holding potential to a test potential of about 0 mV before and following addition of the test compound. The influence of the compound on currents were measured at the test potential.

Many modifications and variations of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope, as is apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only. 

1. A compound of formula I or I′

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, independently for each occurrence: Y is C or N R¹ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R² is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R³ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R⁴ is H, halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R^(8′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive; and provided the following compounds are excluded: 3-methyl-4-[(2-phenoxybenzoyl)amino]-benzoic acid; 4-[(2-phenoxybenzoyl)amino]-benzoic acid; and 5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-[(2-phenoxybenzoyl)amino]-benzoic acid.
 2. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen; R² is H, halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O; R³ is halogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen; and R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently halogen, or —X—R^(X) and R^(5′), R⁶, and R^(6′) are each hydrogen.
 3. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 2, wherein R¹ is CF₃; R² is F, Cl, CF₃ or OCF₃; R³ is t-butyl Cl, CF₃ or CF₂CF₃; and R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 1, wherein ring A is selected from:


11. (canceled)
 12. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 1, wherein p is 0; and Y is N.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 1, wherein p is 0; and Y is C.
 15. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has formula I-B or I′-B:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, independently for each occurrence: Y is C or N; R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.
 16. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 15, wherein R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen.
 17. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 15, wherein R³ is t-butyl, Cl, CF₃ or CF₂CF₃; and R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 15, wherein ring A is selected from:


20. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 15, wherein p is
 0. 21. The compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound has formula I-C or I′-C:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, independently for each occurrence: Y is C or N; R² is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R³ is halogen, CN, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R⁵ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R^(5′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R⁶ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R^(6′) is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); R⁷ is H, halogen, CN, or —X—R^(X); X is a bond or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; R^(X) is absent, H, or C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic may be replaced with —O— and said C₃-C₈ cycloaliphatic is substituted with 0-3 substituents selected from halogen and C₁-C₄ alkyl; R⁸ is halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen, wherein up to two non-adjacent CH₂ units of said C₁-C₆ alkyl may be replaced with —O—; and p is an integer from 0 to 4 inclusive.
 22. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 21, wherein R² is H, halogen, or C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen and wherein one CH₂ unit of said C₁-C₆ alkyl is replaced with —O—; and R³ is C₁-C₆ alkyl wherein said C₁-C₆ alkyl is substituted with 0-6 halogen.
 23. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 22, wherein R² is F, Cl, CF₃ or OCF₃; R³ is t-butyl, Cl, CF₃ or CF₂CF₃; and R⁵ and R⁷ are each independently F, Cl, CH₃ or OCH₃.
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 21, wherein ring A is selected from:


28. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt according to claim 21, wherein p is
 0. 29. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of claim 1, wherein the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from the group consisting of:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 30. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of claim 1 and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or vehicles.
 31. A method of inhibiting a voltage-gated sodium channel in a subject comprising administering to the subject the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of claim
 1. 32. (canceled)
 33. A method of treating or lessening the severity in a subject of chronic pain, gut pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, acute pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain, idiopathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, incontinence or cardiac arrhythmia comprising administering an effective amount of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of claim
 1. 34. (canceled)
 35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled)
 37. (canceled)
 38. (canceled)
 39. (canceled) 